Notorious Masaka Land Grabber Charged as Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Zulaika Nakabiri and three co-accused — Bugembe Edrisa, Dumba Abdu Swaburu and Makumbi Abbey — have appeared before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations linked to land disputes in Masaka. The charges, according to the report, followed investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit working with Uganda Police and the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The publisher says the suspects are accused of offences including unlawful occupation of private land, criminal trespass, assault, intimidation of residents, and destruction of property such as crops, trees, houses and other valuables. The court remanded Nakabiri and the other accused until 13 August 2026 while investigations continue. The allegations have not been proven in court.

In a separate but related case arising from the same local anti-corruption drive, Misaala Cell LC I Chairperson Ntale Godfrey and Juuko John were also charged and remanded. Prosecutors allege the pair defrauded residents seeking help under the Parish Development Model, a government programme intended to support household income generation. One complainant, identified as Ntuumwa Elvis, allegedly lost Shs1 million after being guided to obtain a new SIM card whose mobile money PIN was later used to withdraw funds disbursed to him.

Watchdog Uganda links the cases to complaints raised during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” Baraza in Masaka, led by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara. Authorities are presenting the engagements as a channel for residents to report corruption, abuse of office and community injustices for investigation and possible prosecution.