By Spy Uganda
In a dramatic turn of events that could have far-reaching implications for cross-border institutional land governance, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has summoned Ms. Jolly Shubaiha Irankunda—the estranged wife of renowned Ugandan academic Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga—to appear before its National Central Bureau (NCB) in Kampala in connection with the disappearance of a crucial land title belonging to The East African University (TEAU) in Kenya.
The university, a sister institution to Kampala University and part of the BDK Universities Network International chaired by Prof. Kateregga, lost trace of the original title deed for a sprawling 100-acre parcel of land in Kitengela, Kajiado County, Kenya. The land forms the core asset of TEAU, which is widely viewed as a beacon of cross-border academic collaboration in the East African region.
According to official statement seen by this publication, INTERPOL NCB Nairobi requested cooperation from its Kampala counterpart after Ms. Irankunda—who previously served as Vice Chairperson of the university’s Board of Trustees—was linked to the missing title deed.
Sources close to the matter indicate that during a recent routine land verification exercise by TEAU administrators, it was discovered that the official title was missing from the registry. Subsequent internal inquiries reportedly pointed to Ms. Irankunda, who is alleged to have initially promised to surrender the title to her legal team in Kenya. However, that handover never materialized.
As a result, INTERPOL NCB Nairobi triggered a formal procedure that has now led to an official summons issued by SCP Yusuf Sewanyana, on behalf of the Director INTERPOL NCB Kampala. The letter, dated 19th June 2025, directs Ms. Irankunda to report for an interview on Thursday, 26th June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Plot 12, Mabua Road, Kololo.
The notice emphasizes that the engagement is “meant to facilitate our responsibilities and coordination with INTERPOL NCB Nairobi and ensure a fair and balanced consideration of the issues.”
The summons was received and acknowledged by Buziga Police Station, indicating formal delivery to Ms. Irankunda’s known residence at Upper Buziga, Kampala.
Prof. Kateregga, who has remained largely silent about the private aspects of the dispute, has reportedly accused Ms. Irankunda of unlawfully taking not only land documents but also academic and household items following the breakdown of their marriage.
The case is rapidly drawing public and institutional attention, with education sector stakeholders urging that the matter be handled with urgency and transparency, especially given the cross-border dimensions and the academic investments tied to the disputed land.
A formal response from Ms. Irankunda or her legal representatives is still awaited.
