By Spy Uganda
Interdiction- Baker
The storm that has been brewing inside the Ministry of Lands over the interdiction of Commissioner for Land Registration, Mr. Baker Mugaino, has exploded, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stepping in and overturning the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya’s controversial move.
In a strongly worded letter dated 24th May 2025, addressed to Minister of Lands Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the President accused the IGG of usurping his powers by interdicting a presidential appointee without his knowledge or consent.
“I have now been informed that the Commissioner Land Registration, who is implementing this solution, has been removed from office on unspecified grounds, apparently acting on the directives of the IGG. How convenient! Do you have the authority to interdict such an officer (a Presidential appointee) without my involvement? Why was I not consulted prior to this action being taken?” — President Museveni
The President, clearly angered by what he described as deliberate frustration of his directive to digitize Uganda’s land system using blockchain technology, went further to issue a direct order:
“This is, therefore, to direct that you immediately lift that interdiction and address the fraud and inefficiency in the Ministry as I directed you. If there are matters for investigation requiring removal of Mugaino, these must be raised by the investigating entity with me as the appointing authority.”
Background to the Clash
The controversy stems from Mugaino’s efforts to implement Museveni’s directive to digitize and upgrade the Land Information System, which has cost the government over $140 million but continues to be plagued by inefficiency, fraud, double titling, and tax evasion.
Museveni acknowledged the persistent problems in land management but insisted Mugaino was on the right track:
“I directed that the digitization process be completed to mitigate these failings through use of blockchain technology. I understand the Commissioner Land Registration has been trying to implement the same as per my guidance, albeit with frustration from self-seekers.”
Sources inside State House reveal that Museveni believes Kamya deliberately targeted Mugaino because his digital reforms were disrupting powerful cartels benefiting from land fraud to which Kamya herself could be a ‘player’ having been worked there at one time as minister for lands.
PS Lands Okalany Acts on Museveni’s Orders
In compliance with the President’s directive, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands Dorcus Okalany has now officially reinstated Mugaino. In her letter to him, the PS confirmed the lifting of the interdiction, stating:
“Reference is made to H.E the President’s letter… directing that the interdiction of Mr. Baker Mugaino be lifted. Accordingly, you are hereby instructed to resume your duties as Commissioner Land Registration with immediate effect.”
Okalany also assured Mugaino that the ministry will fully support him in completing the digitization process as ordered by the President, signaling a strong endorsement of his leadership in the reform drive.
Beti Kamya on the Edge
This latest development is a massive blow to IGG Beti Kamya, whose contract reportedly expires this month of September, 22nd, 2025. According to highly placed sources, Museveni is furious with her and is unlikely to renew her contract.
Insiders claim the President has also been briefed that Kamya has been using the IGG’s office to pursue personal interests and “money hunting,” accusations that have now deepened her troubles.
With Mugaino back in office and enjoying the full protection of the President, Kamya’s position looks increasingly untenable. The letter from Museveni has not only reversed her decision but also publicly questioned her integrity, authority, and motives.
The Bigger Picture
This battle over Mugaino’s interdiction has exposed the cracks in Uganda’s anti-corruption crusade, raising questions about the independence of oversight bodies when they clash with presidential authority.
For now, the Commissioner of Lands is back, the blockchain-based reforms are back on track, and the IGG finds herself cornered, fighting for political survival.
Omuganda gamba nti-Okalya dda kadda dda..watch the space….
📄 Extract of President Museveni’s Letter (Scanned Copy):
