Land-related crimes in Uganda have sharply increased, with Police recording a 67% surge in land fraud cases in 2025, according to the Annual Crime Report released on Monday at Police Headquarters in Naguru.
The report shows that 663 cases of land fraud were reported in 2025, a significant rise from 397 cases in 2024, highlighting growing disputes and criminal activity surrounding land ownership across the country.
Police data indicates that the majority of these cases are still unresolved, with 398 cases currently under inquiry.
Another 333 cases have been submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Resident State Attorneys (RSA) for legal guidance.
However, 145 complainants were advised to pursue civil litigation, suggesting that many land disputes fall outside criminal prosecution, while only 74 cases have so far been taken to court.
The report identifies several recurring offences driving the surge in land-related crimes.
These include fraudulent procurement of land titles, obtaining registration by false pretences, criminal trespass, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretences.
