By Spy Uganda
A notorious alleged land grabber, Zulaika Nakabiri, has been arraigned before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court alongside three other suspects over a string of alleged land-related offences that have reportedly terrorised residents in different parts of Masaka.
Nakabiri was jointly charged with Bugembe Edrisa, Dumba Abdu Swaburu and Makumbi Abbey following investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The suspects are accused of assaulting residents, criminal trespass, unlawful occupation of land and destruction of property, including crops, trees and houses.
According to the investigators, the complaints against the group emerged from residents who reported alleged land grabbing and related abuses during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign in Masaka.
The four suspects have been remanded in custody until August 13, 2026, as investigations and court proceedings continue.
The prosecution comes amid intensified efforts by government agencies to respond to complaints of land grabbing and abuse of office raised by residents through community accountability forums.
In a separate case arising from complaints made during the same campaign, Ntale Godfrey, the LC I Chairperson of Misaala Cell, and Juuko John have also been charged and remanded over alleged theft and conspiracy to defraud.
The two are accused of misleading members of the public by claiming that they could assist them to access funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
One of the alleged victims, Ntuumwa Elvis, reportedly approached the duo seeking assistance to apply for the funds.
According to the case presented before court, Juuko filled out the application in the presence of Ntale and subsequently instructed Ntuumwa to register a new SIM card.
The suspects allegedly obtained the victim’s mobile money PIN, confiscated the SIM card and later withdrew Shs1 million that had been disbursed to Ntuumwa.
Ntuumwa reportedly realised that the money had been withdrawn without his consent and, after failing to obtain a satisfactory explanation from the two suspects, raised the matter during an “Expose the Corrupt” Baraza held in Masaka.
Ntale and Juuko have also been remanded until August 13, 2026.
The arrests and prosecutions are part of enforcement action stemming from complaints raised by residents during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign led by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara.
The campaign has provided residents with a platform to report alleged corruption, land-related injustices, fraud and other abuses directly to government officials and anti-corruption investigators.
The latest cases underscore the growing emphasis on using community complaints to identify alleged wrongdoing and pursue suspects through the justice system.
The suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
