By Johannah Nantongo
A staff surveyor at the Ministry of Lands Zonal Office in Jinja has been arrested for alleged corruption.
Mr Donald Francis Wagoli was apprehended during a spot check conducted by the Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala across several public offices in the city.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to crack down on corruption in government institutions.
Authorities say the arrest followed the discovery of a significant amount of cash concealed in a bag linked to Wagoli.
When questioned, both Wagoli and a graduate trainee, Jovan Woniala, who was found with the bag, reportedly gave conflicting explanations about the source of the money.
According to Savio Kakooza Ntensibe, director in Charge of Ombudsman Affairs, the operation was triggered by numerous complaints from the public regarding bribery, extortion, and fraudulent land dealings at the Jinja zonal office.
“We received credible reports that some officers were soliciting money from clients to expedite land services, including processing land titles and, in some cases, fraudulently facilitating freehold titles on ineligible land,” Ntensibe said.
He revealed that investigators deployed an undercover operative who allegedly handed over Shs300,000 as part of the probe, money that was later found in the same bag recovered during the operation.
Further inconsistencies emerged when Wagoli initially estimated the cash in the bag at between Shs700,000 and Shs800,000. However, officials counted Shs1.18 million, raising further suspicion.
Investigators also examined one of the suspect’s mobile phones and reportedly discovered transactions exceeding Shs2 million within a single week, suggesting a pattern of questionable financial activity.
The suspects were taken to Jinja Central Police Station for further interrogation as investigations continue.
Ntensibe noted that the Inspectorate continues to receive widespread complaints about similar corrupt practices in lands offices across the country, pointing to a broader systemic problem.
“We are engaging with the Ministry of Lands leadership to address these recurring issues, which appear to follow a similar pattern in many regions,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the IGG visited Jinja City Council and district headquarters, where she cautioned public officials against engaging in corruption and urged compliance with the Leadership Code Act.
Justice Naluze also reminded public servants of the ongoing mandatory wealth declaration exercise, warning that those who fail to declare their assets within the remaining 15 days risk prosecution before the Leadership Code Tribunal.
The Inspectorate of Government is mandated to combat corruption, enforce accountability, and promote efficient service delivery across Uganda’s public sector.