Land probe: Senior registrar arrested, faces investigation

Held. Ms Louella Ataro (with bag) being escorted by police after Justice Catherine Bamugemereire ordered her arrest for allegedly giving false information to the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into land matters. PHOTO BY EPHRAIM KASOZI.

What you need to know:

  • On Thursday evening, the commission quizzed businessman Moses Mubiru Balwana in regard to ownership of land titles in Kijabijo wetland and confirmed holding a land title jointly with his deceased friend, Brian Kasule.
  • The commission is investigating queries into land acquisition and management in the country.

KAMPALA: A senior registrar of titles in the Ministry of Lands has been arrested and detained at Wandegeya Police Station for allegedly giving false information to the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into land matters.
The Commission headed by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, yesterday accused Ms Louella Ataro of “obstructing justice” in connection with failure to answer questions regarding her role in the irregular issuance of more than 10 land titles in Kijjabijo wetland in Wakiso District.

Justice Bamugemereire said Ms Ataro had told the commission lies since Thursday evening when she first appeared to answer questions regarding her actions about fraudulent transactions in land dealings during her tenure at the Wakiso District Ministerial Zonal offices.

She directed for an investigation into the conduct of Ms Ataro in regard to her role in the said transaction.
“But do you know that you are obstructing justice? I hereby order police to take you to Wandegeya Police Station. Please follow the police officers and you should know that we are not here to waste time,” held Justice Bamugemereire.

Ms Bamugemereire also said the manner in which Ms Ataro was responding to their questions was disrespectful to the commission.
On Thursday evening, the commission quizzed businessman Moses Mubiru Balwana in regard to ownership of land titles in Kijabijo wetland and confirmed holding a land title jointly with his deceased friend, Brian Kasule.
The commission is investigating queries into land acquisition and management in the country.