IGG blocks payment of sh13b to land claimant

________________

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Turwomwe Kamya, has blocked payment of 13.4 billion shillings in compensation to a man who claimed ownership of land in Sheema district, saying he is not the bona fide beneficiary.

The land located on Block 19, Plot 49 at Kiyugu, had been claimed by James Kumwesiga, but according to Kamya, it belongs to Polycarp Simba Atuhumuza.

In a press statement on Wednesday (July 9), Kamya said she received a whistleblower’s complaint in November 2024 alleging that the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) was in the process of paying Kumwesiga, who had impersonated Atuhumuza, the genuine owner of the land.

Subsequently, investigations commenced, and the Inspectorate of Government established that Kumwesiga had jointly opened a false bank account in Absa Bank with two other persons using forged national identity cards and telephone numbers, and submitted it to ULC for payment.

After investigations, the IGG directed ULC to immediately halt the payment.

Consequently, Kumwesiga was arrested and is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“As a result of the intervention, the IGG saved a loss of 13.4 billion shillings to the government,” said IG spokesperson Ali Munira.

She urged all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to conduct thorough due diligence before effecting any payments to creditors, ensure accountability, prevent financial loss, and safeguard public resources.

Impersonation is a criminal offence with potential legal consequences. It can involve impersonating public officials, security operatives, or even using someone’s identity for fraudulent purposes like obtaining money or evading legal issues.

Penalties can include imprisonment and fines. 

Under the Anti-Corruption Act, any person found guilty of impersonating a public officer is liable to three years imprisonment or a fine of 1.4 million shillings or both on conviction.