Colbert Zziwa: Masaka Lands Officer Arrested Over Illegal Titling

What the report says

A senior land officer in Masaka, identified as Colbert Zziwa Tamale of the Masaka Ministry Zonal Office, has been arrested in connection with allegations of illegal land titling and related fraud. According to Nile Post, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and Uganda Police carried out the arrest on Wednesday evening after investigating complaints about land transactions in Greater Masaka.

The publisher reported that investigators suspect Zziwa was involved in the issuance of more than 265 allegedly illegal land titles on Central Forest Reserve land and on private property in the area. He is also accused of working with other land officials to facilitate fraudulent transactions and irregular title acquisition. One case under review concerns land linked to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in Kyanamukaaka, where investigators say the acreage was allegedly reduced before a fraudulent title was created and later subdivided.

The article also says Zziwa is linked to a separate alleged scheme involving residents in Sembabule who were reportedly asked to pay money for processing free land titles. The Anti-Corruption Unit said the Ministry of Lands had been offering free titles to some residents facing eviction risks in land disputes.

Authorities say Zziwa may face charges including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony and forgery. The case matters because land fraud and disputed titling remain a recurring concern in Uganda, especially in areas with intense pressure over ownership and eviction. The Anti-Corruption Unit has urged residents with complaints to assist investigators, and it said Zziwa will be taken to court after inquiries are completed.