The ongoing circus at the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban planning on Wednesday, 4 May took a disturbing turn with the arrest and detention of Commissioner Land Registration on the orders of the Inspector General of Government, Olive Beti Namisango Kamya.
Kamya, in directive dated 28 April 2025 to the Ministry of Lands Permanent Secretary asked for the immediate interdiction of Mr Mugaino on allegations of abuse of office and double titling of land among others. The development defined the escalation of relations between the embattled Commissioner and his top bosses at the ministry many of whom were rumored to have vigorously fought his appointment.
The instinct of survivor drove Mugaino to court where he secured an order against his interdiction, directing PS Okalany to give him way back into office. Caught between the delicate situation as Kamya pushed for Mugaino”s exit no matter what, the PS sought guidance from the Attorney General Kirwoowa Kiwanuka on what she ought to do in regard to the court decision calling for Mugaino’s reinstitution and Kamya’s resultant obstinacy.
In response, Kiryoowa guided that the interdiction was null and void since only the President has powers to subject a senior presidentail appointee in Mugaino’s stead to disciplinary action or anyone acting in delegation by the Head of State.
In light with the above constitutional provisions, the issues of appointment, confirmation of appointments and exercise of disciplinary control of heads of departments and above are a preserve of the President, ” Guides the Attorney General.
Therefore, the interdiction of Mr Baker Mugaino vide letter dated 28th April 2025 pursuant to the above provisions is void ab initially.” Notes the letter by the AG in part.
Kiryoowa Kiwanuka, thus, guides that Okalany should recall the interdiction, restore Mugaino to his role and seek further guidance from the President on the next course of action. In response, however, Kamya insisted that Mugaino withdraws his court from court challenging what he insists is an illegal interdiction before he is allowed to resume duty. The Commissioner, sensing dishonesty in the offer, abstained.
We have since learned that Mugaino was summoned for further questioning on the accusations on Tuesday, 3rd June and asked to return the following day, only to be charged and detained at a yet to be identified place.
The arrest of Mugaino further complicates the already popular public reports that its part of a wider plot to fell a man who has earned rave recommendations as an incorruptible reformist.
