KAMPALA, Uganda: When the foundations of government begin to tremble, it is not always the guns that roar. Sometimes, it is the silence, the delays, and the backroom maneuvers that betray the rot. Uganda today finds itself asking: whether the center holds any more!
On May 24th 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni penned what appeared to be an unequivocal directive. His words were crisp, his tone unmistakable. He ordered Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, to immediately lift the interdiction slapped on Commissioner of Land Registration, Baker Mugaino. But as events unfolded, the president’s pen proved weaker than the wishes of the mafia cartel.
Museveni’s Furious Letter
In his letter, the president did not mince words; “In my earlier directive to you and the Permanent Secretary, copied to the Commissioner Land Registration, I directed that the digitization (of land information system) be completed to mitigate the failings through block chain technology. I understand the Commissioner Land Registration has been trying to implement the same as per my guidance, albeit with frustration from self-seekers.”
And his anger deepened when he learned Mugaino had been sidelined. “I have now been informed that the Commissioner Land Registration, who is implementing this solution, has been removed from office on unspecified grounds, apparently acting on the directives of the IGG. How convenient! 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?”
With finality, Museveni commanded thus; “This is, therefore, to direct that you immediately lift that interdiction and address the fraud and inefficiency in the Ministry as I directed you… if there are matters for investigation requiring removal of Mugaino, these must be raised by the investigating entity with me as the appointing authority.”
Nabakooba’s Timid Circles
One would imagine such a letter would set off immediate action. Yet, the President’s words languished in dusty drawers, surfacing only after the matter was brought to light by yours truly, the mighty Investigator newsroom. On August 27th 2025, three months later, Minister Nabakooba finally replied.
Her response was riddled with caution, almost apologetic, as though she were torn between obeying her master and protecting herself from what is known in that ministry as “the mafia cartel” operating in the land sector. “Your Excellency, reference is made to your letter Ref: PO/13, dated 24th May 2025. I am in receipt of your letter, delivered to my office on 26th August 2025.”
Shockingly, Nabakooba, as if to confirm our fears of the center not holding any more, confessed that IGG Beti Kamya and Permanent Secretary Dorcas Okalany worked out Mugaino`s interdiction behind her back! “This is to inform you that the interdiction of Mr. Baker Mugaino, the Commissioner Land Registration was done by the Inspector General of Government and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development without involving me.”
The Shadow of the IGG
Mugaino’s troubles began in April 2025, when IGG detectives stormed his office. He was arrested, charged, and remanded for a night, accused of abuse of office and corruption. IGG Beti Olive Namisango Kamya alleged that between April 8th and 25th, Mugaino arbitrarily canceled land titles belonging to Tropical Bank, Gerald Akugizibwe, and Namayiba Park Hotel.
The disputed properties, prime real estate in Kisenyi, Kibuga Block 12, Plots 658, 659, and 665, remain a hotbed of controversy. Kamya insisted Mugaino’s actions undermined land registration integrity and inflicted suffering on “innocent landowners.” The DPP swiftly sanctioned the case. Yet, a court order (MA No. 324 of 2025) restraining the IGG’s interdiction directive came too late, says Nabakoob. Mugaino had already been pushed out.
However, instead of acting on President Museveni’s directive, Nabakooba pushed the matter back to the very officials accused of undermining it the same; “Your Excellency, I have forwarded your directive to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently handle with the Inspectorate of Government and get back to me in order to update you on compliance with your directive.”
In effect, the Minister returned the ball to PS Dorcus Okalany and IGG Kamya, the same duo at the heart of the President’s fury. Impeccable sources tell us the responses from Okalany and Kamya are likely to incense Museveni even further. Their maneuvering has already painted a grim picture, a president whose directives can be ignored, delayed, or diluted in the maze of bureaucratic resistance.
If Museveni’s word can be tossed aside in such a blatant manner, what then remains of centralized authority in Uganda? As the country watches this ongoing connundrum, one question refuses to fade; Does the center hold any more? Watch this space.
Author Profile
- Stanley Ndawula is a two and a half decades’ seasoned investigative journalist with a knack for serious crimes investigations and reporting. He’s the Founding Editorial Director and CEO at The Investigator Publications (U) Limited
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