news 26 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Mukono Land Officials Arrested for Hiding Files Ahead of Parliamentary Inspection

Four officials and three guards from the Mukono Zonal Land Office have been arrested after allegedly hiding crucial land files to prevent their discovery by a parliamentary committee. Some documents were found stashed in a nearby shop and a staff member's vehicle. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/four-mukono-land-officials-guards-arrested-over-missing-files-ahead-of-mps-inspection-5571814

Parliamentary officials in Uganda have taken action against several staff members at the Mukono Zonal Land Office, leading to the arrest of four officials and three security guards. The group was apprehended on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to conceal vital land records just hours before an inspection by the Parliament’s Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

Lawmakers discovered that critical land files had been removed from the office. Investigations revealed that some of these documents were hidden in a local shop, while others were found inside a vehicle belonging to one of the employees. The suspects were identified as Hanifah Natongo and Susan Aseru (Customer Care), Daniel Kyalo (Graduate Trainee), and Stephen Ssendegeya (Senior Staff Surveyor), along with three security guards.

During questioning, Hanifah Natongo admitted to hiding the files, stating she felt uncomfortable leaving them in the office due to the impending visit and that some documents had unresolved issues. However, Daniel Kyalo claimed he was acting under the instructions of a senior supervisor to dispose of the files. The Zonal Land Officer, Doreen Tumushabe, denied any knowledge of the files being moved.

The committee chair, Edson Rugumayo, condemned the actions, emphasizing the importance of public land records and ordering further statements from the accused. The parliamentary committee plans to launch a full investigation to ascertain if any records were tampered with or hidden to cover up potential corruption. This incident underscores the persistent public concerns regarding the management of land registries across Uganda.