A section of Lira local residents residing in Ongica ‘B’, Anai Ward, and Barapwo Ward have accused the NFA sector manager and some leaders from Lira City, including the UPDF deployed in the area, of making threats.
Ayoo Moses, speaking in a press briefing from Ongica ‘B’ on Wednesday, stated that they request His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda to intervene in the matter so that UPDF is removed from the area. He mentioned living in fear of UPDF behavior, such as cutting down trees in the area and allegations of inappropriate relations with married women.
A woman, requesting anonymity, said the State House Anti-Corruption Unit should fully investigate some leaders in Lira City for suspected connivance and acquiring illegal plots of land in the area of Ongica ‘B’ and Barapwo, which are located on the contested land. She accused certain leaders in Lira City, whose names are withheld, of supporting NFA in their attempt to claim the land despite a court injunction already in place.
However, the disgruntled members, led by Mr. Ayoo Moses, the Chairperson of the complainants hailing from Anai, Barapwo, and some parts of Bala bordering Kole area, said the court has ordered an injunction in the contested land, but NFA authorities in East Lango National Forestry have disobeyed the court injunction and are busy planting food crops there.
Moses Ayoo expressed concerns about threats to his life, indicating suspected UPDF individuals being sent to intimidate him. He urged the UPDF administration to remove them, emphasizing that they are not rebels but voters of the country. He plans to petition President Yoweri Museveni to remove Aguti Gracious from the East Lango National Forestry Authority sector manager and to remove UPDF from the area.
The issue of the Anai land contention with NFA started in 2006 over the ownership of 339 hectares of land. Mr. Celestino Otim Obua, an 88-year-old Muze of Olala village, accused NFA sector manager Aguti Gracious of causing him problems by grabbing the land and conniving with some leaders by selling it. He requested President Museveni to intervene, citing threats to their lives despite the court injunction.
Aguti Gracious, the East Lango National Forestry Authority Sector manager, denied allegations of threats and harassment, stating that UPDF is guarding the boundary and trees planted. Oba Tom, a resident of Ongica ‘B’, accused some leaders of having their pieces of land in Ongica ‘B’ and called for an investigation by the IGG and State House Anti-Corruption Unit. He highlighted NFA’s disregard for the court order in the disputed area.
Residents, including Eunice Odyek, expressed frustration and urged the President to send a representative to assess the situation due to a lack of transparency from NFA authorities. Mayor Sam Atul of Lira City emphasized that the matter is still in court, and decisions are awaited. He called for parties to abide by the court’s decision, considering it an arbitrator in land issues.
MP for Lira City West Division Hon. Obong Vincent Shedrick Eyit and Lira City Woman MP Honorable Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng did not provide comments. The Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Mr. Lawrence Emmy Egole could not be reached for an independent comment.
On June 1st, the Lira High Court stopped NFA from evicting residents until the disposal of the main suit. The temporary injunction also allows the community to continue growing crops on the land.
