Chief Magistrate Said Barigye has intervened to pause the establishment of a fuel station on plot 31, situated along Gulu Avenue. The decision follows Gulu City Council’s plea to the court to halt the project by Oil Energy company, citing its encroachment into a wetland, specifically the Pece Stream area.
The contention arose when Oil Energy, led by proprietor Lawrence Okello, resumed construction activities on the piece of land located in Bardege-Layibi division. This move contradicted the city’s previous directives, which had already halted the project on more than one occasion.
Barigye, presiding over the case, emphasized the significance of adhering to the court’s directives. He warned that failure to comply with the court order by Oil Energy would be regarded as contempt of court, implying potential legal consequences.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held on March 25, 2024, at the office of the Gulu Resident City Commissioner, Barigye disclosed the court’s decision. The meeting aimed to address the issue of Oil Energy’s encroachment into the wetland, gathering representatives from various sectors including city authorities, security personnel, and environmental activists.
Despite the city council’s allegations, Okello defended his position, asserting that his land does not encroach upon the wetland. He cited approval from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) as evidence supporting his claim.
In response, Edward Odipo, NEMA’s northern region manager, assured that the matter would undergo further scrutiny. He announced plans to dispatch a team from NEMA’s head office to verify the coordinates of the disputed land. This verification process aims to determine definitively whether the land in question falls within the boundaries of the wetland area.
