Despite the ongoing court case, I feel compelled as a citizen of Lira City, Lango Sub Region, and Uganda to share my findings following research and consultations with relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Lands and members of the legal fraternity regarding land acquisition.
Firstly, the land in question is situated in Plot 4A, Station Road at Railways Quarters in Lira City East Division. It is located at the extreme end of the alleged forest reserve, bordered from the West by Tolbert with a title and from the South by Mukwano Industries and other title holders.
Secondly, the title of the land in question was not processed by Mr. Okello Lawrence, the accused businessman, as the first title holder, but rather purchased from someone else.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit’s decision to target Okello Lawrence, who is at the extreme end, raises questions about why other title holders in the same area were left out.
Moreover, according to legal guidance, Okello Lawrence, as the purchaser of the land, is protected by the case law doctrine termed “Bona Fide Purchaser for Value Without Notice of Fraud.” This doctrine ensures that the purchaser, if unaware of fraud, cannot be punished or denied the right to own the property.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit failed to consider the process of Okello Lawrence’s title acquisition and should have treated him as a state witness rather than charging him as a criminal.
Information indicates that some officers from the Anti-Corruption Unit are on the payroll of influential politicians in Lira City, using fabricated charges to cause tension and arrest individuals. Officers mentioned are DAIP Charles Mugerwa and Arinaitwe Samuel, who calls himself the legal officer of the Anti-Corruption Unit.
Mugerwa and Arinaitwe are accused of using the Lira Police to handle cases in the Lira Magistrate’s Court instead of the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. This practice is viewed as an injustice, and the writer plans to notify higher authorities about this.
Several cases handled by Mugerwa and Arinaitwe are said to be collapsing due to lack of evidence, as investigations are based on hearsays from dubious sources.
The writer calls on President Museveni to intervene, citing economic sabotage against local investors and the unjust treatment of Okello Lawrence, a prominent businessman contributing significantly to the region’s development.
Brig. Henry Isoke, Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit, is urged to restrain his staff, withdraw charges against Okello Lawrence, and release him unconditionally. The writer also calls for a stop to the misuse of the Anti-Corruption Unit for personal and political agendas in Lango Sub Region.
In case of inaction, the writer threatens to organize a peaceful demonstration to express dissatisfaction with how the State House Anti-Corruption Unit is perceived to sabotage the economy and development of Lango.
Note: The writer is a concerned activist from Lira City, reachable at 0782346922.
