UGANDA, Lira | Real Muloodi News | In a recent development, the High Court in Lira District has issued an order for the Minister of Gender, Hon. Betty Amongi, to vacate a disputed piece of land where she had built a house in Lira City.
The contested land, identified as leasehold register Volume 3758, Folio 11, Plot 38 on Erute Road, Lira City East Division, is part of the late Bensey Olong’s estate.
Ms Amongi’s involvement with the land dates back to around 2005 when she expressed interest in the family land, measuring 0.352 hectares.
On December 22, 2005, she purchased the land from Fred Okaka, the deceased Olong’s son, for Shs6.5 million.
However, complications arose as Lillian Akullo, Mr. Okaka’s sister, had already obtained a lease for the same land in 1993. Her lease was extended multiple times, and she acquired a certificate of title on July 11, 2007.
Despite this, Ms Amongi proceeded to develop the land by constructing a house, leading Ms Akullo to file a lawsuit against her brother and the minister.
The case, ongoing for close to 16 years, involved Ms Akullo seeking punitive damages and addressing the issue of trespass.
Ms Amongi, in her defence, denied Ms Akullo’s claims, asserting that she purchased the land without the knowledge of existing interests and is a bona fide purchaser for value.
She further filed a counterclaim, seeking a declaratory order confirming her as the rightful owner and requesting a permanent injunction against Ms Akullo.
Mr. Okaka, the brother, contested his sister’s claims, stating that the land was part of their late mother’s estate, and the transaction was concluded with the consent of most beneficiaries.
However, Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji, in a verdict delivered on January 22, found no evidence of fraud committed by Ms Akullo. The court ruled in favour of Ms Akullo, dismissing Ms Amongi’s counterclaim.
The court awarded Ms Akullo Shs10 million for general damages and declared her the rightful owner of the disputed land.
Additionally, an eviction order against Minister Amongi, her agents, and servants was issued, along with a permanent injunction against Ms Amongi and Mr Okaka from trespassing or interfering with the land.
Ms Amongi, responding to the court’s decision, stated that she bought the land with the consent of former Housing State Minister Sam Engola, who signed the sale agreement as a guarantor for his brother Okaka.
She awaits the family’s decision and mentioned that she would vacate once her investment is refunded.
The late Engola, in prior statements, mentioned that Ms Akullo was informed about the land sale but later demanded more money when she found a house on the property.
Family meetings were convened to address the issue, with an agreement that Ms Amongi would add more money to the compensation. However, Ms Akullo refused the offered amount, insisting on more.
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