Inspectorate of Government (IG) has halted Shs13.4 billion fraudulent land compensation deal in Sheema District.
The land in question, located on Block 19, Plot 49 in Kiyugu, Sheema, was falsely claimed by one James Kumwesiga, who allegedly posed as the rightful owner, Polycarp Simba Atuhumuza.
According to the IGG’s office, Kumwesiga was on the verge of receiving compensation from the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) when the scam was exposed.
Investigations by the IG revealed that Kumwesiga, along with two unidentified accomplices, opened a fraudulent bank account at ABSA Bank using forged national identity cards and phone numbers. The fake account was then submitted to ULC in a bid to divert the compensation money.
“This was a carefully orchestrated attempt to defraud the government of billions in public funds,” a statement from the IGG’s office read on Wednesday. “Thanks to the vigilance of the whistleblower and swift investigations, the payment was stopped in time.”
The IGG, Beti Kamya, has since directed ULC to suspend any further action related to the compensation. Kumwesiga has been arrested and is now facing charges brought by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The interception of the payment saved taxpayers a staggering Shs13.4 billion, reinforcing the IGG’s mandate to fight corruption and protect public resources.
