UGANDA, Lira | Real Muloodi New | In a significant legal development, at least 22 individuals, including government officials, civil servants, politicians, and businessmen, face charges related to an alleged fraudulent sale and acquisition of Lira City land and in the district.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has taken swift action, arresting and arraigning the accused before the Lira Magistrate’s Court and the Anti-Corruption Court.
The investigation, initiated in March 2022, targeted various instances of land-related fraud in Lira City and Lira District.
The charges encompass creating a title on Lira Central Forest Reserve, irregular sale and disposal of Uganda Railways Corporation land, and titling and sale of portions of the Mayor’s Garden.
Among the accused, Lawrence Okello and Joel Okwir, the former area land committee chairperson, face charges linked to the creation of a title on Lira Central Forest Reserve.
In the case of the alleged irregular sale and disposal of Uganda Railways Corporation land, Francis Ateng, a former principal assistant secretary at Lira Zonal land office, and three private individuals, Joseph Ocen, Julius Kabaize, Walter Okol Ogang, have been charged with fraud.
The accusations extend to the irregular titling and sale of part of the Mayor’s Garden, involving individuals such as Patrick Ogweng (former deputy town clerk), Omara (former physical planner), Francis Okello Olwa (former secretary of Lira District Land Board), and prominent businessman Patrick Olet.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit is taking a strong stance against corruption in land matters in Lira City and Lira District.
Israel Ochwo, Deputy Head of the Unit, emphasised the importance of holding accountable those who misuse their public office for personal gain.
He highlighted instances where public officials, including politicians and technocrats, abused their positions to facilitate land grabbing, registering properties in the names of family members, and subsequently selling them to businessmen.
The specific cases involve the alleged irregular sale of Iread Estate, with charges brought against Lira District land surveyor Francis Opio, natural resources officer Fabious Otike, cartographer Joel Ogwang, his sister Rebecca Atoo, and former Lira LC5 councillor Anthony Ojuka.
Lawrence Egole, Lira Resident City Commissioner, called for a collective commitment to fight corruption.
He stressed that leaders at all levels should actively engage in the battle against corruption, cautioning against condoning corrupt practices, which he deemed a threat to the moral fabric of the nation.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, established in December 2018, has demonstrated its commitment to combating corruption.
With over USh51 billion recovered and saved since its inception, the unit has secured 98 convictions and brought charges against 543 individuals in various courts of law.
The ongoing crackdown in Lira City signals a continued effort to root out corruption and ensure accountability in land-related matters.
The legal proceedings will shed light on the extent of the alleged fraud and serve as a deterrent against future misconduct in land transactions within the region.
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