news 29 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
State House Denies Link to Alleged Kajjansi Land Grab Operative
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating claims of assault and extortion against a man identified as Nicholas Mugabe, who purports to be a State House operative operating in the Kajjansi wetlands. The unit has denied any affiliation with the individual and is urging victims to come forward with formal complaints. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-house-probes-fake-operative-over-assault-extortion-claims-in-kajjansi-wetlands-5613074
Allegations of assault, extortion, and illegal enforcement have surfaced against a self-proclaimed State House operative, Nicholas Mugabe, in the Kajjansi wetlands area of Wakiso District. Bricklayers operating in the region accuse Mugabe and his armed escorts of confiscating their tools, demanding money for their return, and selectively permitting wealthy individuals to engage in illegal wetland backfilling for commercial development.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) has distanced itself from the accused, stating that Nicholas Mugabe is not on their records. SHACU spokesperson Mariam Natasha confirmed that while they are investigating environmental degradation in Wakiso, they have no knowledge of anyone acting on behalf of State House in Kajjansi. She advised victims to report such incidents directly to the police or SHACU for investigation.
Artisans have voiced frustration over what they perceive as biased enforcement. They claim that small-scale workers are targeted and brutalized, while those involved in large-scale dumping of soil into the wetlands go unpunished. One victim reported that his tools were confiscated and that police officers at Kajjansi Police Station allegedly refused to register his case and demanded a bribe for the return of his property.
Further complaints detail alleged violence and the mishandling of cases by local law enforcement. One individual reported being physically assaulted and having his phone destroyed, with police at Kajjansi allegedly refusing to issue him an official report form. Concerns have also been raised about confiscated tools being held in a private facility guarded by private security, with recovery fees charged to the victims.
These developments occur amidst significant wetland degradation in Wakiso District, with official figures indicating that nearly 70 percent of the district’s original wetland area had been degraded by 2025. Kampala Metropolitan Police have urged those affected to file formal complaints with higher authorities, suggesting Nateete Police Station for consolidation of cases. The suspect’s identity and activities are reportedly still under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
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