The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, has blocked a fraudulent compensation payment of Shs13.355 billion to an impostor who falsely claimed ownership of land located on Block 19, Plot 49 in Kiyugu, Sheema District.
The intervention followed a whistle-blower complaint received in November 2024, alleging that the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) was on the verge of paying James Kumwesiga, who had impersonated Polycarp Simba Atuhumuza, the legitimate owner of the land.
Investigations by the Inspectorate of Government revealed that Kumwesiga, along with two accomplices, had forged national identity cards and phone numbers to open a fake bank account at ABSA Bank.
The fraudulent account was then submitted to the ULC for the land compensation payment.
Upon confirmation of the fraud, the IGG directed the Uganda Land Commission to immediately suspend the transaction. Kumwesiga has since been arrested and is currently facing prosecution by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The IGG’s timely intervention saved the government from losing Shs13.355 billion in public funds.
In a statement, the Inspectorate urged all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to exercise strict due diligence before processing any compensation claims or creditor payments.
“All Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are urged to conduct thorough due diligence before effecting any payments to creditors, to ensure accountability, prevent financial loss, and safeguard public resources,” the IGG emphasized.
