By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, has blocked payment of compensation of UGX13,355,000,000 (Thirteen billion, three hundred fifty five million shillings) to an imposter who claimed ownership of land located on Block 19, Plot 49 at Kiyugu, Sheema district. This was revealed in her letter dated July 9,2025.
In November 2024, the IGG received a whistle-blower complaint alleging that the Uganda Land Commission (ULC), was in the process of paying Mr. James Kumwesiga who had impersonated Mr. Polycarp Simba Atuhumuza, the actual owner of the mentioned land.
Investigations conducted by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) established that Mr. Kumwesiga had jointly opened a false bank account in ABSA Bank with other two persons using forged National Identity Cards and telephone numbers, and submitted it to ULC for payment. The IGG directed ULC to immediately halt the payment.
Mr. Kumwesiga was arrested and is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). As a result of the intervention, the IGG saved a loss of UGX13355,000,000 (Thirteen billion, three hundred fifty five million shillings) to the government.
All the Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are urged to conduct thorough due diligence before effecting any payments to creditors, to ensure accountability, prevent financial loss, and safeguard public resources.