UGANDA, Soroti | Real Muloodi News | A land dispute has erupted at Soroti Golf Club, leading to the demolition of a structure by Soroti City Council.
The demolished structure, which was being erected by Mr Calvin Echodu on the golf course land, was taken down on June 16.
Mr Echodu, a former flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) based in the USA, claims to have signed a memorandum of understanding with Soroti Golf Club Limited in 2008.
However, the registered trustees of Soroti Club, who are responsible for the club’s custodianship, argue that Soroti Golf Club does not exist.
Both Mr Echodu and Soroti Golf Club Limited, represented by Jambo & Co. Advocates, opposed the demolition.
In a letter dated June 20, the law firm addressed the Soroti Mayor, town clerk, and city engineer, asserting that Mr Echodu and Soroti Golf Club Limited are the legitimate registered owners of the land on plots 10-12 on Kennedy Square.
The letter highlighted that on February 27, 2017, Mr Echodu and Soroti Golf Club Limited, through Arch Techno Crafts Limited, applied for approval of development plans for the land, specifically for sports activities like golf and cricket.
The authorities subsequently issued a building permit on February 17.
The Registered Trustees filed a court application seeking an interim order to halt any further developments on the land. Sources reveal that the Golf Club is owned by five individuals, including Mr Echodu.
Mr Echodu has accused the resident district commissioner and other city officials of orchestrating the demolition. In response, Mr Peter Pex Paak, the Soroti Resident City Commissioner, clarified that the city council holds authority over urban development.
He denied involvement in the demolition and encouraged any aggrieved party to seek legal recourse. Mr Paak explained that the structure may have been demolished due to the developer’s defiance of an order to halt construction works.
Soroti City Mayor, Mr Joshua Edogu, emphasised that land tenure in the city is leasehold, and the land board retains the right to grant leases.
He stated that the city council has the power to determine the placement of roads, factories, schools, and other infrastructure.
Mr Raymond Ekadu, a member of the Golf Club, clarified that the 2008 memorandum of understanding (MOU) mentioned by Mr Echodu and the Golf Club was intended to rehabilitate existing facilities rather than grant ownership of the land or construct new structures.
The dispute over the land at Soroti Golf Club highlights the complexities and competing claims that can arise in land management.
As the legal battle continues, it remains crucial to establish clear ownership and adhere to the legal processes governing land use and development.
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