news 13 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Senior Land Officer Arrested for Issuing Hundreds of Illicit Titles, Targeting Ex-VP Ssekandi's Land
State House detectives have arrested Colbert Tamale Zziwa, a Senior Land Officer in Masaka, for allegedly issuing over 265 fraudulent land titles. The scheme reportedly involved tampering with public lands and private estates, including a significant reduction of former Vice President Edward Ssekandi's property. 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
Colbert Tamale Zziwa, a Senior Land Officer at the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office, has been apprehended by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. He is accused of playing a central role in the issuance of more than 265 illegal land titles across the Greater Masaka region.
The operation is a significant move against escalating land fraud, with Tamale allegedly involved in systematically compromising land rights on a large scale. His alleged activities targeted forest reserves, private properties, and notable estates.
Authorities revealed that Tamale faces serious charges including the unlawful creation of over 265 titles. These fraudulent documents are said to have been generated from protected Central Forest Reserve lands and private properties, allegedly through collusion with corrupt officials.
A prominent case linked to Tamale involves the alleged defrauding of former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. Investigators claim Tamale and accomplices unlawfully reduced Ssekandi’s 83-acre estate in Masaka District to 34 acres, subsequently creating a fake title and dividing the diminished portion into new plots.
Beyond title forgery, Tamale is also accused of operating an extortion racket. He allegedly solicited money from numerous rural residents in Sembabule District, promising assistance with free land titling, a government initiative meant to protect citizens from eviction, which is already funded by the Ministry of Lands.
The Anti-Corruption Unit stated that Tamale will face court once investigations are concluded and urged affected citizens to report any complaints to the Masaka Police Station or their toll-free line. Potential charges include abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of title certificates, conspiracy, and forgery.
Tamale’s arrest occurred around the same time Emmanuel Champion Kananura, the Senior Land Management Officer for Ssembabule District, was remanded in custody on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office. Investigations into land fraud in the region are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated.