Kenneth Allan Owani, an activist and former councillor of the now-city Lira municipality, has expressed skepticism about the ongoing investigations conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) regarding land-related fraud in Lira. Owani called for a review of the unit’s operating methods, raising doubts about the evidence used to bring suspects to court.
Owani’s criticism was prompted by a press statement issued by SHACU in December 2023, addressing an incident investigated by the unit. In the statement, he downplayed the evidence on which the unit based its findings to arraign a suspect before the court.
In December of the previous year, the unit arrested Lira-based businessman Lawrence Okello, charging him with fraudulent procurement of a land title for a plot in Railways quarter, Lira city east division. Joel Okwir, the former chairperson of the Railway division area land committee, was also charged in connection with the case.
SHACU initiated an investigation into the fraudulent acquisition of public land in both Lira district and the city two years ago, leading to the arrest and charging of over 15 public servants, including businessmen.
According to SHACU, Okwir exploited his position to forge signatures and facilitate the transfer of a land plot from his son’s name to Lawrence Okello. The unit alleged that Okello, with a fraudulently acquired title, proceeded to cut part of a forest reserve, dumped murram, and constructed a petrol station, despite warnings from Ministry of Water and Environment officials.
Responding to these allegations, Owani challenged the accuracy of the investigation. He disputed claims that Okwir’s son, Aliro Tonny, was a minor during the alleged incidents, presenting evidence that he was already an adult in 2018. Owani questioned the unit’s investigative integrity, suggesting that their findings may be influenced by political interests or funders.
Owani also cast doubt on the accusation of forging signatures, stating that the application for processing land titles, as per the law, takes 14 days before submission to the district land board.
In response to these concerns, Emmanuel Punya, the unit’s communication officer, announced that they would be in Lira on January 12, 2024, to address the issues raised. SHACU’s boss is expected to speak to the media on various matters related to their investigation, addressing the criticisms from certain sections of the Lira city community.
