The State House Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded Francis Ateng, the former Principal Assistant Secretary at the Lira Ministry of Lands Zonal Office, to Luzira Prison after he was convicted on 11 counts of land fraud. He will remain in custody until November 7, 2025, when the court is expected to deliver his sentence.
According to Chief Magistrate Rachel Nakyazze, Ateng was found guilty of illegally helping to sell land belonging to the Uganda Railways Corporation located along Mukwano Road in Lira District. The offenses included abuse of office, forgery, fraudulent procurement of a land title, uttering false documents, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Prosecution led by Senior State Attorney Viola Tusingwire from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions revealed that Ateng conspired with Joseph Ocen, a businessman from Lira, to unlawfully transfer prime public land registered as FRV 2020 Folio 13, Plots 42–50, Mukwano Road.
Ocen had earlier pleaded guilty to impersonating Charles Kateba, the Managing Director of Uganda Railways Corporation. He was sentenced to two years in prison after a plea bargain and later testified against Ateng. Court heard that Ocen signed forged documents that were used in the fraudulent transfer of the land.
Evidence presented showed that Ateng processed a special certificate of title irregularly, which enabled the illegal land transaction. Witnesses, including Uganda Railways Corporation officials, a handwriting expert, and Ateng’s subordinate Robert Okello, testified that Okello was directed to upload the fake documents into the Uganda National Land Information System.
After reviewing all evidence, the magistrate ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. She convicted Ateng on all charges and reminded him of his right to appeal.
A third suspect, Walter Ogangi, a businessman from Kiwanga–Goma Division in Mukono Municipality, is still on the run.
Ateng, who tried to hide his identity with a face mask and hat while leaving court, was escorted to Luzira Prison under tight security. The investigation and prosecution were jointly handled by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He will return to court on November 7, 2025, for sentencing.