Museveni orders immediate reinstatement of Baker Mugaino, the troubled land commissioner

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern directive, ordering the immediate reinstatement of Baker Mugaino, the Commissioner Land Registration, whose interdiction he deemed unauthorized and obstructive to crucial reforms.

The President’s order, communicated in a strongly worded memo to the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, cited concerns over “persistent inefficiencies, fraud and mismanagement” within the Land Information System.

In the directive, dated May 24, 2025, President Museveni expressed deep displeasure over the state of land administration, noting that it has already cost the Government over $140 million.

He highlighted the pervasive issues of double titling, tax evasion, and fraudulent transactions, holding the Ministry of Lands responsible for these shortcomings which “undermine Uganda’s progress, social stability and economic goals.”

The President revealed that he had previously directed Minister Nabakooba and her Permanent Secretary to expedite the digitization process, specifically through the implementation of blockchain technology, as a solution to these systemic failures.

He acknowledged that Commissioner Mugaino had been at the forefront of implementing this technology, “albeit with frustration from self-seekers.”

However, President Museveni expressed dismay upon learning that Mugaino, a presidential appointee charged with executing this vital reform, had been removed from office on “unspecified grounds,” reportedly acting on directives from the Inspector General of Government (IGG).

“How convenient!” the President wrote, questioning the authority behind the interdiction. “Do you have the authority to interdict such an officer (a Presidential appointee) without my involvement? Why was I not consulted prior to this action being taken?”

President Museveni firmly directed Minister Nabakooba to “immediately lift that interdiction and address the fraud and inefficiency in the Ministry as I directed you.” He further clarified that any matters requiring investigation and potential removal of Mugaino must be raised directly with him as the appointing authority by the investigating entity.

The President’s directive underscores a significant push to modernize Uganda’s land registration processes, with blockchain technology being eyed as a critical tool to enhance transparency, security, and accountability, thereby curbing rampant land fraud.

His intervention also highlights potential internal conflicts and power struggles within government agencies regarding the implementation of high-level presidential directives.

Copies of the President’s directive were sent to the Inspector General of Government, the Attorney General, the Minister of Public Service, and the Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, signaling the broad implications of the issue and the President’s clear intent to ensure his directives are followed without obstruction.