Ocen Joseph Alwong, Senior Land Management Officer, received four years imprisonment while Opio Francis, District Staff Surveyor, received three years imprisonment today in court.

The pair entered a plea bargain admitting full guilt before sentencing, prompting the court to impose reduced but still custodial prison terms for offences today.

They were arrested and charged in 2024 following joint investigations by State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal Investigations Directorate and Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

Between February 2019 and October 2020, officials deliberately abused their offices facilitating irregular issuance of freehold title for district-owned prime land illegally today.

Prosecutors told court the freehold title for Plot 19 Ben Emor Road Ireda Estate Lira was fraudulently issued in Alwong’s young daughter’s name illegally.

Authorities had falsely claimed the daughter was a customary owner yet official records confirmed the parcel actually belonged to Lira District Local Government completely.

This latest conviction follows an earlier separate judgment where both men previously received three and four years respectively on similar corruption-related government property charges.

The presiding judge warned that public officers who conspire to defraud government of valuable land will face firm imprisonment to deter future corruption and impunity.

Anti-corruption officials said the sentencing signals renewed national commitment to protect all public assets and ensure strict accountability among local government land officers nationwide today.

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Obodha Alex Batambuze, who serves as the Senior Civil Engineer of Jinja City, was arraigned this afternoon on charges of Abuse of Office.

According to the prosecution, on December 8, 2023, Batambuze allegedly used his position to irregularly issue a development permit to one Kakaire Kirunda Ali to construct a boundary wall on Plot 17B, Tabingwa Road in Jinja City.

Investigations indicate that the permit was issued without following the required procedures and without obtaining the mandatory approval from the relevant Physical Planning and Building Committee.

As a result, the construction of the wall reportedly blocked a community access road, cutting off residents and motorists who depend on the road for daily movement.

Batambuze had earlier been detained during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” National Campaign, led by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, during the campaign’s tour of Eastern Uganda.

Following investigations, he was formally arrested and subsequently arraigned before court to answer the charges.

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The democratic process gave members an opportunity to exercise their right to choose representatives dedicated to guiding the club into the future. Following the conclusion of the vote, the newly elected executive committee officially assumed office, pledging to serve the diaspora community with integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsibility.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures from both the Omani and religious communities. Among the guests of honour was Mohamed Nasser Al-Harthi, an Omani author known for his work documenting historical ties between Uganda and the Sultanate dating back to 1844 AD. Al-Harthi observed the official leadership handover and presented certificates of recognition to the incoming officials, underscoring the enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Additional dignitaries present included Pastor Adelusi Adewale of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Oman, alongside local school principal Manar Khalid. Religious leaders offered prayers and blessings for the new administration, while club representatives expressed formal appreciation to all attendees, guests, and community members for their ongoing support and words of encouragement.

The atmosphere throughout the gathering reflected collective pride and optimism. Organizers emphasized that the transition demonstrated the strength of community participation and the vital role of responsible leadership in fostering unity and development. The newly inducted leadership called upon all Ugandans in Oman to remain actively engaged in community initiatives and collaborative projects.

Furthermore, the occasion provided an opportunity for the diaspora to acknowledge and thank the Omani government for its stability, security, good governance, and welcoming environment. Members expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere and professional opportunities that enable foreign nationals to contribute positively to society while maintaining strong cultural connections with their homeland.

With the new executive committee now formally installed, expectations remain high regarding the club’s capacity to strengthen community networks, promote welfare programs, and advance organizational development. For the expatriate community, the event established a solid foundation for future progress, ensuring continued representation and mutual support under unified leadership.

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Brigadier General Henry Isoke, the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), addressed local administrators under the theme “Building Synergy to Eliminate Corruption in Local Government.” He emphasized that administrative malpractice directly harms everyday citizens by siphoning public funds away from essential social services and deteriorating civic infrastructure.

The anti-corruption chief singled out several high-risk sectors requiring heightened institutional vigilance; Procurement and Contracts: Oversight in public tendering processes; Human Resources: Recruitment and payroll transparency.

Among others is Management of local revenues and state funds and Integrity in property and title handling.

Aligning with a broader government-wide initiative, Brig Gen Isoke pointed to the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt National Campaign,” championed by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The campaign integrates multiple state security and oversight bodies, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Internal Security Organisation.

Official figures released during the retreat indicate that the ongoing enforcement drive has expanded across 18 districts and municipal cities. The initiative has yielded 104 arrests, 30 formal court arraignments, and 48 compiled case files linked to an estimated UGX 15 billion in compromised public resources.

Invoking presidential directives advocating zero tolerance for non-performance, Brig Gen Isoke challenged municipal leaders to guarantee that public resources translate into tangible community development. He reaffirmed the SH-ACUâ€s commitment to supporting rigorous internal controls, proper public record keeping, and cross-sector accountability across all regional administrations.

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He faces formal charges of fraudulently procuring a land title and unlawfully interfering with a deceased person’s estate. The court ordered him remanded in custody until September 1, 2026.

Investigators state that the case stems from events between 2003 and 2004 in Kakira Kibanga, Luweero District. Court documents allege that Jjingo lacked lawful authorization from the Administrator General or any other legal representative when he allegedly involved himself in the estate of the late Isaya Basenge.

At the center of the dispute is roughly 100 acres of land located on Bulemezi Block 554, Plot 7. Prosecutors claim Jjingo falsely presented himself as the estate’s administrator. Working with accomplices who remain at large, he allegedly obtained a fraudulent Certificate of Title for the property.

Furthermore, authorities allege that Jjingo and his associates sold portions of this disputed land to third parties. These buyers have reportedly begun forcing current occupants off the property and destroying their belongings, prompting urgent intervention by law enforcement and anti-graft agencies.

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Zziwa Colbert Tamale, the Senior Land Officer at the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office, was arrested last evening following investigations into alleged land fraud and his suspected dealings with land grabbers.

According to the Anti-Corruption Agency, Zziwa is being investigated over the alleged issuance of more than 265 illegal land titles in Greater Masaka, involving Central Forest Reserve land and privately owned land.

Investigators also allege that Zziwa connived with other lands officials to facilitate the illegal acquisition and processing of land titles.

One of the cases under investigation involves land belonging to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in Kyanamukaaka, Masaka.

The agency alleges that Zziwa, together with others, fraudulently created a title over Ssekandi’s land after the size of the former Vice President’s property was allegedly reduced from 83 acres to 34 acres. The land was subsequently partitioned into several plots, according to the investigators.

Zziwa is also accused of participating in a scheme targeting hundreds of residents in Sembabule, where money was allegedly collected from residents under the false pretext of facilitating free land titling.

The alleged scheme comes amid a government programme through which the Ministry of Lands provides free titles to selected residents, particularly those facing threats of eviction arising from land disputes.

The Anti-Corruption Agency said Zziwa will be arraigned before court once investigations are complete.

Authorities have appealed to residents of Greater Masaka with complaints or information relating to Zziwa’s alleged activities to report to Masaka Police Station or through the toll-free number 0800202500.

The potential charges under consideration include abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony and forgery.

The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by government anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged land fraud and protect legitimate landowners from illegal dispossession and fraudulent titling.

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During an impromptu visit, the team found that 159 students out of 615 were absent. The absence follows last week’s decision by the school administration to send home over 200 learners over failure to pay what officials have termed illegal fees.

When confronted by local leaders at Nyaika Hotel on Friday, the Head Teacher denied sending 200 students, saying “only 63” had been chased. The Resident District Commissioner for Bunyangabu said even 63 was too many and contrary to policy.

*It was agreed in that meeting that all chased learners should return to school immediately, regardless of payment. However, many have not yet returned, partly because the school does not have contacts for all parents.

State House investigators also heard that some students were at Mugusu Market on a market day. The pattern suggests learners are sent to look for money on Wednesday so they can pay by Thursday, or risk being chased. Officials warned this practice risks pushing children out of school permanently as some get used to “money hunting” instead of learning.*

The Unit confirmed that the money collected is not only illegal but also allegedly abused. They announced they will return on Thursday for another head count.

In a message delivered on behalf of Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the public was reminded that government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have already paid school fees under the universal policy.

Any other charges are not mandatory and must be approved by the Ministry of Education. Parents and students were urged to return to school and report any illegal demands.

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Speaking at the Anti-Corruption Trainees Certification Ceremony at Hotel Africana organized by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, Isoke commended participants for joining the national fight against graft. He said corruption diverts resources from essential services, weakens institutions, and denies citizens development opportunities.

Isoke called on graduates to reject corruption and promote ethical leadership. He revealed plans to advocate for mandatory anti-corruption training for all public servants before assuming office.

ACCU Executive Director Marlon Agaba said the program equips citizens, especially youth, with skills to combat corruption. Special Presidential Assistant on Anti-Corruption Rebecca Atwine also attended.

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Ali appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with forgery and uttering false documents. The court ordered that he be held on remand until 31st July 2026.

According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working with CID and the ODPP, Ali allegedly presented forged documents to secure bail in an ongoing case in which he is accused of defrauding Dubai-based investors.

The main case involves an alleged *USD 3.5 million fraud estimated at about UGX 13 billion, disguised as a gold export deal.

SH-ACU further revealed that investigations have identified other individuals believed to be part of the syndicate. Those suspects are still at large, but authorities say a manhunt is underway and they will be produced in court once arrested.

The development is the latest in government efforts to crack down on gold-related fraud schemes targeting foreign investors.

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The State House Anti-Corruption Unit ordered Arua city authorities to suspend the transaction to China Railway Seventh Group Construction Company.

The money had been approved by the local council to settle an outstanding balance for infrastructure works under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme.

However, official documents suggest the contractor had already been paid in full for the project.

In a directive issued to the Arua city clerk, the head of the anti-corruption unit, Brigadier General Henry Isoke, ordered an immediate halt to the transaction to protect public money while a formal inquiry takes place.

“Investigations have been initiated into this matter and will be expeditiously undertaken,” Brig Gen Isoke wrote. He added that the freeze was necessary “to safeguard public funds and preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigations.”

The dispute centres on a 13.5bn shilling contract awarded in December 2021 for the construction of Go-Down Road in Arua, a city in northwestern Uganda.

According to local financial records from May 2025, the contractor had previously been issued a certificate of completion, confirming the road and 321 street lights had been fully delivered and paid for.

Discrepancies uncovered
The decision to authorise further funds has sparked significant local controversy. The current city council recently voted to approve the extra 1.5bn shillings, reversing a decision by the previous administration to spend that money on 192 new solar street lights across the city.

The intervention followed a whistleblower petition raising concerns over how the infrastructure funds were being managed.

Leaked financial documents also revealed unexplained discrepancies in the project’s paperwork. A final payment certificate from February 2025 reportedly cited a revised contract value of 15.2bn shillings—nearly 2bn shillings higher than the figure recorded in the project’s final accounts just days earlier.

The paperwork also allegedly lacked required supporting documentation, prompting senior local finance officers to raise objections and seek legal guidance.

Arua City Mayor Lawrence Alionzi defended the council’s initial decision to approve the funds, stating that officials were rushing to allocate remaining budgets before the end of the financial year.

“The council sat in an effort to make sure we spend money allocated to us as the city,” Mr Alionzi said, confirming that the 1.5bn shillings had been earmarked to meet what they believed were outstanding contractual obligations.

However, the mayor confirmed that the transaction has now been paused following the watchdog’s intervention, and the money remains unspent.

“We halted the process and are awaiting their decision before we can proceed,” Mr Alionzi said, adding that the city administration welcomed the scrutiny and would fully cooperate with the anti-corruption probe.

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