news 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Grapples with Surging Land Fraud Driven by Brokers and Rogue Surveyors
Land fraud cases in Uganda jumped 67% to 663 in 2025 from 397 in 2024, fueled by unlicensed brokers, dishonest surveyors, and middlemen who deceive buyers with fake documents and altered boundaries. Authorities are pushing for stricter regulations and oversight to curb the crisis amid rising disputes and evictions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-uganda-s-land-fraud-crisis-5419444
Uganda is facing a sharp rise in land fraud, with police recording 663 cases in 2025, up 67% from 397 the previous year. Of these, 398 remain under investigation, 333 were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, 145 advised for civil action, and 74 reached court. Common crimes include forging certificates of title, false registration, trespass, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
A shadowy network of unlicensed brokers, rogue surveyors, and agents is blamed for much of the problem. These intermediaries lure buyers with cheap deals, fabricate ownership claims, misrepresent boundaries, or connect clients to fake landowners. Real estate agent Rogers Musoke highlighted how surveyors issue multiple conflicting reports for the same plot, sparking ownership battles.
Related crimes like criminal trespass fell to 6,467 cases in 2025 from 7,674 in 2024, while malicious damage to property dropped 8.6% to 7,303. Kampala and surrounding areas report the highest numbers.
Arrests include a former Lira lands official, Francis Ateng, charged with 11 counts of fraud over Uganda Railway Corporation land, alongside businessman Joseph Ocen. State House anti-corruption units have targeted officials, business figures, and land grabbers.
The Presidential Task Force on Land Matters, led by Brig Gen Musa Shaban Lukyamuzi, faces criticism for limited impact. Obongi RDC Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka urged presidential directives to deny bail to fraudsters, citing success with similar measures under the Parish Development Model. He shared his own brush with eviction attempts in Mpigi.
Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba acknowledged the trend’s threat to investment, blaming outdated laws, forgeries, absentee landlords, and unregistered land. The ministry issued Administrative Circular No 1 of 2025, mandating District Security Committee involvement in evictions and inspections for large plots. Court evictions require 90-120 days’ notice, daytime execution, and ministry clearance.
Victims like Moses Gudoi from Wakiso warn first-time buyers to beware informal brokers. Digitization efforts aim to cut fraud as population growth heightens land demand.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)