Senior Land Officer arrested over alleged illegal titling in Greater Masaka
Zziwa Colbert Tamale was arrested during an operation conducted in Masaka on allegations, including issuing more than 265 illegal land titles on Central Forest Reserve land and private property, as well as allegedly conniving with other land officials.
The Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, has arrested a Senior Land Officer at the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office over allegations of involvement in illegal land titling and fraud in Greater Masaka
Zziwa Colbert Tamale was arrested during an operation conducted in Masaka on allegations, including issuing more than 265 illegal land titles on Central Forest Reserve land and private property, as well as allegedly conniving with other land officials.
According to the Anti-Corruption Unit, Zziwa has been linked to several land fraud cases and alleged dealings with land grabbers in the region.
Authorities also accuse him of participating in the creation of a fraudulent land title on property belonging to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in Kyanamukaaka Masaka District. The land, reportedly measuring 83 acres, was allegedly reduced to 34 acres before being subdivided into multiple plots.
The suspect is further accused of allegedly obtaining money from residents in Sembabule under the guise of helping them acquire free land titles, despite an existing government programme providing free titles to selected residents facing land disputes
The Anti-Corruption Unit has urged residents with complaints against Zziwa to report to Masaka Police Station or contact the provided hotline as investigations continue.
Zziwa is expected to appear in court once investigations are complete. Possible charges include abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony, and forgery.
