By Spy Uganda
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has formally written to Senior Presidential Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Phiona Barungi, requesting that her office share reports from ongoing land investigations to enable the Ministry address identified irregularities and improve service delivery.
In a letter dated June 30, 2026, Commissioner for Land Registration Baker Mugaino acknowledged Barungi’s continued engagement with the Ministry on land-related investigations but expressed concern that, unlike other investigative agencies, her office had not shared the findings of its investigations.
“I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the work you have been carrying out in relation to land investigations, as well as your continued engagement with the Ministry, including your requests for system documents, which we have consistently provided to support your efforts,” Mugaino wrote.
However, he noted that while the Ministry had been providing documents and information requested by Barungi’s office, it had not received any investigation reports in return.
“Unlike other investigative agencies that routinely share their findings with the Ministry for purposes of joint analysis, problem-solving, and strengthening sector performance, your office has not yet shared any investigation reports with us,” the letter states.
The Commissioner also referred to what he described as public comments attributed to Barungi that appeared to express dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s operations.
“At the same time, we have observed public commentary attributed to you that suggests dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s operations,” Mugaino added.
According to the Ministry, sharing the investigation reports would help officials better understand the issues uncovered, address any shortcomings, and implement corrective measures aimed at improving land administration.
“As key stakeholders in the land sector, it is in our mutual interest to promote transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The sharing of your investigation reports would greatly enhance our ability to understand the issues identified, address any shortcomings, and implement appropriate corrective measures,” the letter reads.
The Ministry has therefore requested Barungi’s office to submit the findings of its investigations “at the earliest convenience” to facilitate constructive engagement and sector-wide improvements.
“We therefore kindly request that your office shares the findings of your investigations with the Ministry at your earliest convenience to enable constructive engagement and sector-wide improvement,” Mugaino wrote.
The correspondence comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Uganda’s land administration system, which has in recent years faced persistent complaints over alleged fraud, illegal land transactions, multiple land titles, and disputes involving public and private land.
