Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Masaka – A recent incident has shone a spotlight on the persistent issue of land grabbing, exacerbated by the use of forged documents, in the Masaka region. The accused party, identified as Denis Lukanga, has been apprehended and subsequently remanded, casting a light on the legal measures being undertaken to combat fraudulent activities.
Presented before the Masaka Chief Magistrates’ Court, Denis Lukanga stands charged with the offenses of forgery and malicious damage to property. Collaborative efforts between the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and the Police culminated in Lukanga’s arrest, with accusations asserting that he manipulated falsified documents sourced from the Office of the Administrator General (OAG) to unlawfully acquire ownership of a parcel of land.
At the crux of this incident lies the pivotal role of the Office of the Administrator General, mandated by the Administrator General’s Act Cap 157 and Statutory Instrument S.l -161, particularly in matters concerning inheritance and succession. The imbroglio underscores the OAG’s profound responsibility in ensuring transparent and lawful property transfers.
Central to the case is the dispute over ownership of a kibanja – a customary land tenure system – previously registered under the name of Yafesi Kateregga Nkumbi in the picturesque Samaliya village within Masaka district. Law enforcement authorities contend that Lukanga systematically exploited counterfeit documents to assert his fraudulent claim to the property, which then served as the catalyst for formal legal proceedings.
The accusations against Lukanga, however, extend beyond the realm of document forgery. He faces further indictment for orchestrating the deliberate destruction of invaluable coffee and banana plantations owned by local residents residing within the same vicinity. This act of ecological vandalism adds a complex layer of intricacy to an already convoluted case.
The array of charges against Denis Lukanga, ranging from forgery to malicious damage to property, have culminated in his subsequent remand until August 17, 2023, a date slated for his next court appearance.
Please join me to appreciate the great role of anti corruption unit in our country mostly in Masaka because land grabbers were untouchable but this committee headed Mr mugerwa and Arinaitwe thank you for great service.