Betrayed by Bureaucrats: Uganda Land Sellers Left Stranded as State Probe Uncovers Rogue Broker Networks

Date:

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -


KAMPALA— The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has initiated a sweeping investigation into the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) after mounting allegations of systemic payment delays to citizens who sold land to the government, as well as claims of exploitation by brokers linked to the agency.

The probe, announced on January 30, has uncovered a pattern of financial disarray and ethical breaches, leaving hundreds of landowners in limbo and sparking public outrage.

Dozens of landowners, some waiting since 2021, reported selling properties under the government’s Land Fund Programme—a initiative designed to acquire land for public projects and resettlement—but never receiving compensation. Despite handing over titles and completing valuations, payments stalled indefinitely, with officials offering vague explanations.

“I surrendered my land title in 2022 after being assured of prompt payment. Three years later, my family is stranded,” said John Mwesige, a retired teacher from Mubende, one of over 120 complainants cited in the IGG’s preliminary findings. “They’ve destroyed my livelihood,” he added, echoing widespread frustration.

Brokers Accused of Siphoning Payments

A damning revelation from the investigation centers on brokers allegedly colluding with ULC staff to exploit sellers. Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya disclosed that landowners were frequently directed to intermediaries—some of whom were covertly affiliated with the Commission—to “expedite” transactions. These brokers reportedly demanded kickbacks, sometimes up to 30% of the payment, leaving sellers with reduced compensation.

“This isn’t just bureaucratic delay; it’s a betrayal of public trust,” Kamya stated. “State employees are doubling as middlemen, creating a toxic conflict of interest. Vulnerable citizens are being strong-armed into sharing their rightful dues with those meant to serve them.”

The IGG’s office has documented cases where brokers falsified documents or inflated processing fees, further draining sellers’ funds. Kamya warned that such practices could constitute fraud and corruption, vowing to pursue criminal charges if evidence emerges.

ULC Defends Operations Amid Scrutiny

In response, ULC Secretary Andrew Nyumba dismissed the investigation as routine, insisting the Commission adheres to “established protocols.” He acknowledged payment delays but blamed them on “administrative bottlenecks” in the Finance Ministry and disputed claims of broker misconduct.

“Every transaction undergoes rigorous checks. Delays, when they occur, are regrettable but not malicious,” Nyumba said. He urged complainants to “follow proper channels” but did not address allegations of staff-broker collusion.

Meanwhile, the scandal has drawn condemnation from lawmakers and activists. Hon. Mariam Nalubega, an opposition MP, called for parliamentary oversight, labeling the Land Fund Programme a “black hole of corruption.”

Civil society groups plan protests, demanding accountability for affected families, many of whom face eviction or debt after relocating prematurely.

The IGG’s probe is expected to take months, with findings likely to influence reforms in land acquisition processes. For now, thousands of Ugandans remain in financial purgatory, their hopes tethered to an investigation that many see as a last resort for justice.

Additional reporting by local advocacy groups highlights that over 400 land transactions under the ULC since 2020 remain unresolved. The government has yet to comment on potential restitution for victims.

- Advertisement -

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

Top Story! Kampala Ministry, KCCA Top Officials Commend Hamz Stadium Readiness For EALASCA Games

The Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, together with...

St. Kizito High School Namugongo Tops 2024 UCE Rankings, Celebrates Stellar Performance

St. Kizito High School Namugongo, a Christian-founded institution named...

Hajjat Namyalo Reaffirms Museveni’s Commitment to Empowering Faith-Based Leaders

By ONC Media DeskThe Senior Presidential Advisor on Political...

JADEF Partners with Ministry of Gender to Boost Women’s Leadership in Ngora District

The Jacqueline Amongin Development Foundation (JADEF), in partnership with...