Uganda SHACU: Colbert Zziwa Masaka Arrested for 265 Illegal Land Titles

• Colbert Zziwa Tamale, a senior land officer in Masaka, was arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and Uganda Police over allegations of illegal titling and land fraud.
• He is accused of participating in the issuance of over 265 allegedly illegal land titles on Central Forest Reserve and private property in Greater Masaka.
• One specific case involves the alleged reduction of former Vice President Edward Ssekandi's 83-acre land to 34 acres, followed by the creation of a fraudulent title.
• Zziwa also faces accusations of charging Sembabule residents for 'free' land titles, despite the Ministry of Lands providing them without cost.
• He could face charges including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony, and forgery, with investigations ongoing.

The allegations, involving hundreds of fraudulent titles on both public and private land, underscore the significant risks associated with land ownership and transfers in the region.

Colbert Zziwa Tamale, who serves as the Senior Land Officer at the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office, was taken into custody on Wednesday evening by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) in collaboration with the Uganda Police. The arrest follows an extensive investigation into numerous complaints regarding land transactions across the Greater Masaka region. Zziwa faces serious allegations, including illegal titling, land fraud, and conspiring with individuals suspected of land grabbing.

Investigators from the Anti-Corruption Unit assert that Zziwa was involved in the issuance of more than 265 land titles that are alleged to be illegal. These titles reportedly pertain to both Central Forest Reserve land and various private properties within the Greater Masaka area. Furthermore, authorities claim that Zziwa collaborated with other land officials to facilitate these fraudulent transactions and the irregular acquisition of land certificates.

Among the specific cases under scrutiny is one involving land owned by former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, located in Kyanamukaaka, Masaka. According to the ongoing investigation, Ssekandi's property, which originally spanned 83 acres, was allegedly reduced to just 34 acres. Following this reduction, Zziwa and his purported accomplices are accused of creating a fraudulent title for the diminished parcel, which was subsequently subdivided into multiple plots.

Another significant accusation against Zziwa involves a scheme in Sembabule, where hundreds of residents were reportedly compelled to pay money under the false pretense that these funds were necessary to process free land titles. This alleged demand for payment occurred despite the Ministry of Lands already providing complimentary titles to specific residents, particularly those facing eviction threats due to existing land disputes.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has indicated that Colbert Zziwa Tamale will be brought before the court once the investigations are concluded. He could potentially face a range of charges, including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony, and forgery. These charges underscore the gravity of the alleged offenses and the legal framework in place to combat land-related corruption.

In an effort to gather further evidence and ensure a comprehensive investigation, the Anti-Corruption Unit has issued a public appeal. Residents of Greater Masaka who have complaints against Zziwa are encouraged to come forward and provide information to the investigators. This call for public assistance highlights the collaborative approach taken by authorities to address widespread concerns about land integrity in the region.

The arrest of a senior land officer on such extensive charges signals a period of heightened scrutiny for land transactions across Greater Masaka and potentially wider Uganda. The allegations, involving hundreds of fraudulent titles on both public and private land, underscore the significant risks associated with land ownership and transfers in the region. The active enforcement by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit demonstrates a clear commitment to tackling corruption within the land registry system.

This development is particularly relevant for anyone involved in land dealings, from individual property owners to legal professionals and compliance officers. The alleged systemic nature of the fraud, including the manipulation of land records and the exploitation of vulnerable residents, points to a need for increased vigilance and robust due diligence in all land-related matters to mitigate exposure to illegally procured titles and associated disputes.

Lawyers advising on land transactions in Greater Masaka should anticipate heightened scrutiny and potential challenges to existing titles, necessitating thorough due diligence to mitigate risks associated with fraudulent procurement of land certificates. Compliance officers should review internal controls for land acquisitions in Uganda given the active enforcement against corruption in the land registry.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post