The team was received by Senior Lands Registrar Robert Kizza Kankaka, who was questioned about the absence of staff but was unable to provide a conclusive explanation.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has directed staff of the Mukono Zonal Land Office to account for their absence from duty after a surprise inspection found most of them missing during official working hours.
The impromptu visit followed complaints lodged with the Inspectorate of Government alleging that staff at the land office routinely leave work at midday and only return the following day.
According to Savio Kakooza Ntensibe, Director of Ombudsman Affairs at the Inspectorate, the IGG team arrived at the office at around 3:00 p.m. and found most computers switched off, with more than 70 percent of workstations unattended.
“We have been receiving reports that staff leave office at noon and only return the next morning. What we found on the ground confirms these complaints,” Ntensibe said.
The team was received by Senior Lands Registrar Robert Kizza Kankaka, who was questioned about the absence of staff but was unable to provide a conclusive explanation.
Justice Naluzze therefore instructed all affected staff to explain their absence to the Inspectorate, warning that unauthorized absenteeism is a disciplinary offence that can result in penalties including fines, demotion, or dismissal.
Earlier, the IGG met Mukono district leaders, including Resident District Commissioner Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabaitaka, Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba, members of the district security committee, and political representatives.
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At Mukono Municipal Council, she also held discussions with Town Clerk Francis Byabagambi, Deputy RDC Rhodha Titwe Kagaga, Deputy Mayor William Makumbi, and heads of departments.
District leaders raised concerns over delays in investigations into the Mukono District Service Commission (DSC) by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. The probe led to the arrest of several officials, district including DSC chairperson Eng. Godfrey Kibuuka Kisuule, District Speaker Betty Hope Nakasi, and Nakisunga sub-county chairperson Mubarak Ssekikubo, among others, over allegations linked to the sale of public jobs.
While some suspects were arraigned in court and granted bail, others were released from police custody as investigations continue. The situation has disrupted the commission’s operations, affecting hundreds of job applicants, including those already shortlisted.
RDC Ndisaba urged the IGG to intervene and expedite the process, noting that the prolonged investigations have created a leadership vacuum since the arrests in November 2025.
In response, Justice Naluzze advised leaders to allow due process, suggesting that Mukono could, in the meantime, seek support from neighboring district service commissions to fill urgent staffing gaps.
Meanwhile, Mukono Division Police Commander Bernerd Mugerwa reported progress in addressing the misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. He said more than seven suspects had been prosecuted, with courts denying them bail due to the seriousness of the offences.
“We treated the matter as serious. After the arrests and court actions, others were deterred, and the situation has since improved,” Mugerwa said.
Deputy RDC Kagaga also raised concerns about alleged encroachment on government school land, citing Nakagere UMEA Primary School. She said funds meant for constructing a classroom block had to be diverted after part of the land was reportedly sold and fenced off by a private individual.
Justice Naluzze directed the town clerk to submit detailed information on the matter to guide further action.
The IGG reaffirmed her office’s commitment to fighting corruption, enforcing accountability in public service, and ensuring government institutions serve citizens effectively.