Kampala
The High Court Criminal Division has sentenced notorious land grabber Charles Kyagaba to a total of eight years in prison for obtaining money by false pretences. Justice sentenced Kyagaba to four years on each of two counts, to be served consecutively.
Kyagaba, who has for years terrorised residents of Wakiso District — particularly in the Entebbe area — was convicted of fraudulently claiming ownership of people’s land and properties, then selling them to unsuspecting buyers.
According to court evidence, Kyagaba and his accomplices (some still at large) used forged documents to impersonate legitimate landowners, defrauding victims of huge sums of money in land transactions.
Delivering the judgment, the court described Kyagaba’s actions as a serious threat to property rights and a major setback to investment in the Wakiso area.
The conviction and sentence mark a significant victory for residents who have lived in fear of land grabbers for many years. Many victims have lost life savings after purchasing land that was later reclaimed by original owners.
Kyagaba’s arrest and conviction are part of a broader crackdown on land fraudsters operating in Wakiso, Mukono, and other districts surrounding Kampala. The court is expected to issue a warrant of arrest for his co-accused who are still on the run.
This sentence sends a strong warning to individuals involved in land-related fraud that the courts are increasingly taking a firm stance against such crimes.
Torch Media Africa
