By Spy Uganda
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has issued a detailed press statement addressing what it describes as “false allegations” made by Cynthia Saanah Kamazi regarding her recent arrest and prosecution.
In a statement dated April 15, 2026, the Unit said it was compelled to respond following the circulation of a social media video in which Saanah claims she was wrongly charged. Authorities clarified that her arrest stems from a long-standing land dispute in Kiruhura District, backed by formal complaints and ongoing court proceedings.
According to SH-ACU, the case originated from a complaint filed by Nuwajijuka Denis, who accused Saanah, his aunt, of unlawfully evicting him from family land located in Kagando/Akayanja Cells, Kinoni Sub-county.
A joint investigation involving the Uganda Police Force and SH-ACU established that the disputed land, measuring approximately 74.6 hectares, was originally registered in the name of the late Jovanisi Rutazagira, who passed away in 2021. Following her death, disagreements emerged among family members over inheritance and land access.
Investigators revealed that despite a court order issued on October 3, 2023, directing all parties to maintain the status quo and halt any transactions on the land, Saanah allegedly proceeded to irregularly secure land registration. Authorities say this action was intended to convert customary ownership into freehold tenure, in direct violation of the court directive.
Further findings indicate that Saanah subdivided the land and sold a portion measuring 29 hectares. She is also accused of forcibly evicting Nuwajijuka without a court order and restricting community access to two valley dams situated on adjacent government land.
Following the investigations, the case file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which sanctioned charges against Saanah.
On April 2, 2026, she was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbarara and charged with multiple offences, including intermeddling in the estate of a deceased person, fraudulent procurement of a land title, and unlawful eviction.
Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into lands officials suspected of irregularly issuing the contested title.
While acknowledging the matter is now before court, SH-ACU emphasized that the charges are grounded in law and evidence. The Unit urged the accused to present her defense through the judicial process rather than through public claims on social media.
The case continues to draw attention as part of broader efforts by anti-corruption agencies to address land-related fraud and protect property rights in Uganda.
