Judge quashes order interdicting lands boss Mugaino
Justice Collins Acellam of the Civil Division of the High Court on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, also quashed charges of abuse of office and corruption that Mugaino was facing at the Anti-Corruption Court.
The Commissioner for Land Registration, Baker Mugaino, had been accused of irregularly cancelling land titles for several properties in Kampala. (Photo by Michael Odeng)
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The High Court has overturned the interdiction of the Commissioner for Land Registration, Baker Mugaino, ruling that the decision was illegal and procedurally flawed.
Justice Collins Acellam of the Civil Division of the High Court on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, also quashed charges of abuse of office and corruption that Mugaino was facing at the Anti-Corruption Court.
Mugaino had been accused of irregularly cancelling land titles for several properties in Kampala.
Justice Acellam faulted the Inspector General of Government (IGG) for directing lands ministry permanent secretary Dorcas Okalany to interdict Mugaino, saying the move was unlawful, irrational and procedurally improper.
“It is hereby declared that the decision of the IGG directing the lands ministry permanent secretary to interdict Mugaino is illegal, irrational and procedurally improper,” the judge ruled.
The court further restrained the Attorney General and the IGG from enforcing the interdiction letters dated April 23 and 28, 2025, and awarded Mugaino shillings 50 million in general damages, citing unfair treatment.
The ruling was delivered in the presence of Mugaino and his lawyer, Anthony Bazira, while the Attorney General was represented by Principal State Attorney Kadoli Wanyama and the Inspectorate of Government by Mary Mugala.
Justice Acellam also faulted the IGG for acting in contempt of court, saying she went ahead to prosecute Mugaino despite an existing court order halting her directive.
“The sanctity of the rule of law demands that court orders must be respected, regardless of one’s dissatisfaction with them,” he stated.
The judge explained that under the 1995 Constitution, disciplinary control over public officers at the rank of head of department and above, rests with the President, not the IGG.
“It is not in dispute that Mugaino is an officer above the rank of head of department. Therefore, the IGG had no authority to direct his interdiction,” the judge noted.
Justice Acellam added that this position is reinforced by Section F-s (1) and (2) of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, which vests disciplinary powers for such officers in the President, while the respective Service Commissions handle other categories of public officers.
The ruling effectively clears Mugaino of all pending administrative and criminal proceedings stemming from the disputed interdiction.