KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has warned staff members against engaging in corrupt practices, including soliciting money from the public for services that are supposed to be free.
Judith Nabakooba issued the warning amid allegations that some staff members at the Mityana Zonal office have been demanding money from the public before offering services.
“If a staff solicits money from the public, they will be taken on. Once evidence is produced and it is confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that they were soliciting money, the courts of law will take action,” Nabakooba warned.
She emphasized that soliciting money from the public is not part of the staff’s mandate. “Serve the people because that is your mandate. Soliciting for money is not part of the bargain because if you are caught, I will forward your cases to police, not even to the permanent secretary because it is criminal,” Nabakooba added.
The minister’s warning was prompted by complaints from the public, including one from a parish chairperson who alleged that a staff member at the Mityana lands zonal office demanded money to assist him with land search services.
Nabakooba also addressed the issue of overlapping land titles, assuring the public that the matter will be addressed and amendments made to the titles.
She urged lawmakers to advocate for an increase in the land fund budget to enable her ministry to purchase more land for squatters.
The minister’s comments came during a meeting with district leaders in Mubende, where she also discussed the Parish Development Model program, which aims to improve livelihoods in rural areas.
