Former Commissioner of Land Administration in the Ministry of Lands Catherine MulindeMukasa appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters to explain the allegations that she endorsed the sale of land hosting a public cemetery in Bukasa – Wakiso district to an investor. “Would it be correct to say that it is you and your advice that set off the appropriation of this land?” “That land according to the records, it looked empty.” From the same cemetery land, she allegedly bought three plots and registered them under other names. “Did you personally get any part of that land?” “I got a plot there.”

“Then what capacity did you get that plot?” “I bought it from the Kibanja holder, I put two in my son’s names who are of age and one I put in my names.” “What names are on the title?” “I put it in Catherine Nambirige my maiden names.” “So why did you decide to use maiden names at this stage?” “I just used it...” “Persons who are higher than you, who you could go to and say; you’re my boss, I have this interest, please take over this and do it. So that somebody else would check what you’re doing and maybe probably or hopefully say no. How bad were things in your Ministry at that time?” “My Lord, as I said; when I was transacting in this land I didn’t know that I was allocating myself that land.” “Do you know that in Wakiso and in Mpigi, under your leadership we have had so much encroachment on wetlands and forests? And it is because of people like you who can hardly interpret a little section of the law, worst of all becoming Commissioners.” “My Lord, I really accepted the anomaly and said am sorry.”

In 2011 when Mulinde was a Commissioner, she reportedly granted free whole titles of 13 acres to Herbert KiggunduMugerwa a lawyer acting on behalf of the construction firm Seiyn Brothers Limited. “You have given the impression that you really don’t seem to care about the graves.” “It’s just a mistaken impression.” Kiggundu later leased the land to the company for 99 years. “All 13 acres are in my names.” “Are they in your individual names or names of the firm?” “No, Herbert KiggunduMugerwa.” “Assuming you die today, God forbid I don’t want it to happen. You see, this is a strange form of lease.” “Well, am not in position to speculate now.”