The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, has prevented the fraudulent payout of over UGX 13 billion to an individual falsely claiming ownership of government-compensated land in Sheema District.
According to a press release from the IGG’s office, the intervention blocked a planned compensation of UGX 13,355,000,000 to Mr. James Kumwesiga, who had impersonated the rightful landowner, Mr. Polycarp Simba Atuhumuza.
The land in question is located on Block 19, Plot 49 at Kiyugu, Sheema District.
The fraud came to light in November 2024 when a whistle-blower alerted the IGG that the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) was preparing to pay Kumwesiga under false pretenses.
Following a thorough investigation, the Inspectorate of Government uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which Kumwesiga, along with two accomplices, created a fake bank account at ABSA Bank using forged National Identity Cards and fraudulent telephone contacts.
This account was then submitted to ULC to receive the payment.
Acting swiftly on the findings, Kamya directed the ULC to halt the transaction immediately.
The suspect, James Kumwesiga, has since been arrested and is now facing prosecution under the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The IGG’s office emphasized the importance of vigilance and proper vetting processes within all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).