news 13 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masaka Land Officer Arrested for Issuing 265 Illegal Titles, Targeting Ex-VP Ssekandi's Property
Colbert Tamale Zziwa, a senior land official in Masaka, has been arrested by State House detectives for allegedly issuing over 265 fraudulent land titles and targeting former Vice President Edward Ssekandi's estate. The crackdown is part of a broader effort against land fraud in the Greater Masaka region. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-house-arrests-senior-land-official-accused-of-issuing-265-illicit-titles-targeting-ex-vp-ssekandi-s-land-5556344
Detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with police in Masaka, have apprehended Colbert Tamale Zziwa, the Senior Land Officer at the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office. Zziwa is accused of playing a central role in the issuance of more than 265 illicit land titles across the Greater Masaka sub-region.
This significant enforcement action targets widespread land fraud, with allegations suggesting Zziwa systematically facilitated illegal land dealings. His alleged activities involved undermining land ownership by targeting public forest reserves, private properties, and prominent estates. Local residents reportedly recognize Zziwa for his deep involvement in fraudulent land transactions and his connections with notorious land grabbers.
Investigators have revealed that Zziwa faces serious accusations, including the unlawful issuance of over 265 titles. These fraudulent documents were allegedly created from protected Central Forest Reserve lands and private properties, often through collusion with other corrupt officials. A notable case linked to Zziwa involves the alleged fraudulent reduction of former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi’s 83-acre estate in Kyanamukaaka, Masaka District, to just 34 acres. The suspects then reportedly created a fake title and divided the seized portion into multiple plots.
Beyond title forgery, Zziwa is also implicated in an extortion scheme. He is accused of soliciting money from rural residents in Sembabule District under the pretense of facilitating free land titling, a government service actually funded by the Ministry of Lands.
The Anti-Corruption Unit announced that Zziwa will face court once investigations are complete and urged affected citizens to report their complaints to Masaka Police Station or their toll-free line. Potential charges include abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of titles, conspiracy, and forgery.
Zziwa’s arrest occurred around the same time Emmanuel Champion Kananura, the Senior Land Management Officer for Ssembabule District, was remanded by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. Kananura faces charges including embezzlement and abuse of office for allegedly collecting substantial sums from land applicants under a subsidized government program. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.