Police in Lubaga Division have arrested several suspects over alleged illegal sale and allocation of government land, including land belonging to Uganda Railways Corporation.

The arrests followed complaints from traders and workers in the affected areas, who reportedly raised concerns about individuals allegedly demanding money from members of the public in exchange for plots on government land.

Moses Ariho, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Lubaga Division, said the operation is intended to dismantle what authorities suspect is a network involved in the illegal dealings.

"We have arrested several people who are suspected of being involved in the theft and illegal sale of government land, including portions of land belonging to Uganda Railway," Ariho said.

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Among those arrested are a man identified as Bashir, a former market leader, and Sergeant Nelson, a police officer who was attached to Uganda Railways.

Investigators allege that Sergeant Nelson used his position and access as an officer attached to Uganda Railways to facilitate the alleged sale or allocation of plots on government land.

Police say some members of the public had already paid money after being promised plots, raising concerns over alleged fraud, extortion and abuse of authority.

The suspects are also accused of allegedly using their positions and influence to convince traders and other members of the public that they had the authority to allocate or sell government land.

Ariho said the investigation is being widened to establish whether more people were involved and determine the number of people who may have lost money in the alleged transactions.

"We are continuing with investigations to identify everyone involved and ensure that those found culpable are brought before the courts of law," Ariho said.

The arrests have raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of government land to fraudulent transactions, particularly where individuals present themselves as having authority to allocate public property.

Police have warned members of the public against dealing with individuals who claim they can sell or allocate government land without lawful authority.

Traders and market workers have also been urged to report suspected cases of extortion, fraud or illegal land transactions to authorities.

Authorities have emphasised that government land cannot lawfully be sold or allocated by individuals without the required authority and procedures.

Members of the public seeking to acquire land have been advised to verify ownership, tenure and allocation documents with the relevant authorities before making any payments.

The suspects remain under investigation as police work to establish the full extent of the alleged transactions, trace any money paid by members of the public and identify additional people who may have been involved.