By Staff Reporter
MASAKA
A woman described by authorities as a notorious land grabber has been arraigned before the Masaka Chief Magistrate's Court on multiple charges related to alleged land grabbing and destruction of property in different parts of Masaka.
The suspect, Zulaika Nakabiri, was jointly charged alongside Bugembe Edrisa, Dumba Abdu Swaburu, and Makumbi Abbey following investigations conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda Police Force, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
According to investigators, the accused have for a long time allegedly terrorised residents by assaulting them, criminally trespassing on private land, unlawfully occupying property, and destroying crops, trees, houses and other property belonging to victims.
The four suspects were remanded to prison until August 13, 2026, when they are expected to return to court.
LC1 Chairperson Charged Over PDM Fraud
In a separate case before the same court, Ntale Godfrey, the LC1 Chairperson of Misaala Cell, and Juuko John were charged with theft and conspiracy to defraud over the alleged theft of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Prosecution alleges that the two deceived members of the public by claiming they could help them access PDM funding.
One of the complainants, Ntuumwa Elvis, reportedly sought their assistance to apply for the government programme. Investigators allege that Juuko completed the application in the presence of Ntale and instructed the victim to register a new SIM card.
After obtaining the mobile money PIN, the suspects allegedly confiscated the SIM card and later withdrew Shs1 million that had been disbursed to the victim under the PDM programme.The alleged fraud came to light after the victim failed to access the funds and reported the matter during the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" public accountability baraza in Masaka after failing to obtain a satisfactory explanation from the suspects. The two were also remanded until August 13, 2026.
Anti-Corruption Campaign
The arrests and prosecutions stem from complaints raised by residents during the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" campaign being conducted in Masaka by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Ministry of Local Government.
The campaign, led by the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi? Wait, source states Hon. Balaam Barugahara is leading the campaign. Authorities say the initiative is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to report corruption, land-related disputes and abuse of office, with investigations and prosecutions being undertaken where sufficient evidence is established.
