Lands commissioner Mugaino applies for bail

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Commissioner Land Registration Baker Mugaino, who is battling charges of abuse of office and corruption, has applied for bail before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.

Defence lawyer Usaama Sebuufu from K&K advocates today (June 5, 2025), asked the court presided over by chief magistrate Racheal Nakyazze to grant Mugaino bail, arguing that the nature of the offence does not constitute loss of money.

He also submitted that it is Mugaino’s role to either cancel or not the certificates of title in accordance with the Land Act. He also said that it is his duty to remove caveats on the land.

“The allegations are not grave in nature to warrant denial of bail to Mugaino,” Sebuufu submitted.

He said Mugaino has been compliant with the Inspectorate of Government (IG) team during investigations.

“Mugaino has responded to prosecution summons at all material times,” Sebuufu submitted. He said Mugaino is presumed to be innocent until he pleads guilty or the court finds him guilty of the charges.

The lawyer dismissed allegations by the prosecution that it is hard to reach Mugaino, saying he is a good man and a responsible Ugandan citizen.

Sebuufu presented to the court three sureties to represent Mugaino. They included Hussein Ahmed Omar (businessman operating Mandela Millers and City Oil), Mohammed Omar (Assistant Commissioner in the Directorate of Legal Advisory Services, Ministry of Justice) and Thomas Kategere (works under presidential office).

In response, IG prosecutor William Moses Ntumwa argued that the accused will interfere with investigations and witnesses.

“Considering the accused’s position, if he is released on bail, he will interfere with the witness. It is hard to get the witnesses because they have been intimidated by the accused person and they cannot appear in the court to give evidence,” he submitted.

He informed the court that investigations into the matter would be concluded in two weeks.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that between April 8 and 20 this year, Mugaino, while employed in the public service as Commissioner of Land Registration, Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development in Kampala, abused his authority by arbitrarily performing acts prejudicial to his employer’s interests - the Government of Uganda, Tropical Bank Limited, Akugizibwe, and Namayiba Park Hotel.

He is accused of irregularly cancelling certificates of title his office had issued to Tropical Bank, Akugizibwe, and Namayiba Park Hotel.

The prosecution also alleges that Mugaino neglected his duties as stipulated in section 88 of the Land Act and his schedule of duties as Commissioner of Land Registration, in April this year, when handling a complaint about the land in question.