In a case currently before the courts, I, as a concerned citizen of Lira City, Lango Sub-Region, and Uganda, find it necessary to share my research findings and consultations with relevant bodies, such as the Ministry of Lands and legal professionals, regarding land acquisition.
First and foremost, the disputed land is located in Plot 4A, Station Road, Railways Quarters, Lira City East Division. Positioned at the extreme end of the alleged forest reserve, the land is bordered by Tolbert to the west, who holds a title, and Mukwano Industries and other title holders to the south.
Secondly, it has come to my attention that Mr. Okello Lawrence, an industrious businessman of Lira City, did not process the title for the land in question as its first holder; rather, he purchased it from someone else.
A critical question arises: Why did the State House Anti-Corruption Unit focus solely on Mr. Okello Lawrence, who is situated at the extreme end, leaving out other title holders in the same area?
Furthermore, based on legal advice, Mr. Okello Lawrence, having purchased the land, is protected by the legal doctrine known as “Bona Fide Purchaser for Value Without Notice of Fraud.” This doctrine ensures that, in cases of fraud allegations, the purchaser is protected, and punishment or denial of property rights is not warranted. Any dispute regarding Mr. Okello Lawrence’s investment in the Forest Reserve should ideally be pursued through civil courts, not through incarceration.
Regrettably, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit neglected to examine the process of Mr. Okello Lawrence’s title acquisition. Instead, they opted to charge him as a criminal, overlooking the legal nuances involved.
Disturbingly, I have received information indicating that certain officers from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, notably DAIP Charles Mugerwa and Arinaitwe Samuel, who claims to be the legal officer, are allegedly on the payroll of influential politicians in Lira City. These officers are accused of causing unwarranted tension, making arrests on fabricated charges, and exploiting their positions for personal gains.
It has been observed that Mugerwa and Arinaitwe have formed alliances with individuals facing land-related complaints in Lango Sub-Region, using them as whistleblowers to create disturbances. Moreover, they seem to be using Lira Police to handle cases that should be in the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.
I find it necessary to bring to the attention of the DPC and RPC North Kyoga Region the alleged misuse of power by these officers, as I plan to escalate my formal complaints to the Inspector General of Police and Director CIID. Examples of cases being handled in the Lira Magistrate’s Court include that of Mr. Okello Lawrence and Hon Ojuka Anthony.
Additionally, there are claims against Mugerwa Charles regarding extortion, as highlighted in a complaint by Ivan Kamuntu Ssemakula to the President, dated 27th November 2023.
The actions of Mugerwa and Arinaitwe, such as withholding over 4000 land files, have disrupted land services for over a year, impacting the people of Lango. These files were only returned following the intervention of the Hon. Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
In light of these concerns, it appears that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit’s actions may be undermining the economic growth and development of Lango Sub-Region and frustrating the local business community.
Records also indicate that many cases investigated by Mugerwa and Arinaitwe are collapsing in courts due to a lack of evidence. I encourage those who have won cases to consider pursuing these officers personally for damages caused.
Beyond the legal implications, the arrest of Mr. Okello Lawrence, a prominent businessman contributing significantly to the development of Lira City, raises serious questions. He operates over 200 fuel stations across the country, engages in hotel and estate trading, and employs over 1000 youth in Lango Sub-Region. Public records from Uganda Revenue Authority confirm that Mr. Okello Lawrence pays over 7 billion in taxes monthly to the government of Uganda.
I appreciate President Museveni’s initiative in creating the State House Investor Protection Unit. Consequently, I intend to report this matter of economic sabotage to them. Furthermore, I plan to formalize my complaints to HE, the President of the Republic of Uganda, regarding the perceived injustices inflicted on the people of Lango.
I hereby notify Brig. Henry Isoke, Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit, that the people of Lango Sub-Region are growing weary of what appears to be economic sabotage by his staff, Mugerwa and Arinaitwe. I call upon him to restrain them, withdraw fabricated charges against Okello Lawrence, and release him unconditionally.
I also appeal to Brig. Henry Isoke to prevent his office from being exploited for settling personal and political scores in Lango. As an activist, I am compelled to term his office as the “State House Personal and Political Anti-Corruption Unit” if these actions persist.
Furthermore, I urge Brig. Henry Isoke to withdraw Mugerwa and Arinaitwe from investigating any corruption-related cases in Lango Sub-Region. If there are other corruption matters to be investigated, a new and independent team should be assigned. Reports indicate that Mugerwa faced physical altercations in Masaka related to his investigative methods.
I call upon all conscientious residents of Lango to condemn the actions of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and remain vigilant. Should there be no corrective action, I will consider organizing a peaceful demonstration to express our discontent with how the economy and development of Lango are allegedly being sabotaged by a State institution that should uphold constitutional principles in its duties.
“For God and My Country”
The writer is a concerned activist from Lira City, 0782346922.
