The High Court in Lira District has ruled that Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Ms. Betty Amongi, must vacate a contested piece of land in Lira City where she had built a house. The disputed land, part of the estate of the late Bensey Olong, involves leasehold register Volume 3758, Folio 11, Plot 38 on Erute Road, Lira City East Division.
Around 2005, Amongi expressed interest in the land, purchased it from Fred Okaka (the deceased Olong’s son) for Shs6.5 million, despite Lillian Akullo, Okaka’s sister, having a lease since 1993. Akullo’s lease was extended, and she obtained a certificate of title in 2007. Despite Akullo’s prior rights, Amongi developed the land.
In a lawsuit filed in 2008, Akullo sued her brother (Okaka) and Amongi for punitive damages and trespass. After a 16-year legal battle, the court ruled in Akullo’s favor, dismissing Amongi’s counterclaim. Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji found no evidence of fraud by Akullo, declaring her the lawful owner and ordering Amongi’s eviction.
As compensation, the court awarded Akullo Shs10 million for general damages with a 12 percent interest rate from the judgment date. The court also declared Akullo as the rightful owner and issued a permanent injunction against Amongi and Okaka, preventing any interference with the land.
Amongi claims the land was sold with the consent of former Housing State Minister Sam Engola, who signed as a guarantor. She awaits a family decision on refunding her money before vacating the property.
