Lira, Uganda — Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the Oyam South MP and Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development, has clarified her stance in response to a court decision on January 22, 2024. According to the court ruling, she expects full compensation from a family residing in Senior Quarters in Lira City East before any eviction can proceed.
In a telephone interview from Kampala with our reporters on Tuesday morning, Hon. Minister Amongi confirmed the court decision but emphasized that she anticipates full compensation before vacating the disputed land.
Facts on the Land Dispute:
In 2005, Hon. Betty Amongi purchased land from Mr. Fred Okaka, the brother of Lillian Akullu and Hon. Sam Engola. The sale was approved by Hon. Sam Engola, who signed as the family head, confirming the equal division of the land between Fred Okaka and Lillian Akullu.
Hon. Betty Amongi constructed her house and lived peacefully on the land from 2005.
In 2007, Lillian Akullu returned from London, disputed her brothers’ actions, and initiated the process of titling the entire land, including the portion sold to Hon. Amongi Betty. Both parties were considered tenants on public land as the lease offer from Lira District Land Board had expired.
Family meetings chaired by Hon. Sam Engola attempted to resolve the matter, but compensation proposals were unsuccessful. Hon. Betty Amongi insisted on compensation, citing the family dispute over inheritance.
The case entered the court system, with Hon. Sam Engola testifying that the land belonged to their mother and the portion sold by his brother was inherited from their late mother.
In the recent court ruling on January 22, 2024, the court determined that:
- The brother of Hon. Sam Engola, Fred Okaka, was merely a caretaker of the land to his sister and sold land that didn’t belong to him.
- The land belonged to their sister Lillian Akullo, not their mother.
- Hon. Betty Amongi should be evicted from the land.
- Fred Okaka must repay all the money to Hon. Betty Amongi.
- A cost of 10 million Ugandan Shillings is awarded to Lillian Akullo, with the responsible party for the payment not specified by the court.
Since the court acknowledged that Hon. Betty Amongi purchased the land in good faith from a family member who was a caretaker, she is adamant about receiving full compensation from the family before complying with the court’s eviction order. This remains her determined course of action.
