The Katakwi District physical planner found himself entangled in legal proceedings over allegations of fraudulent land transactions. Mr. Martin Aleli appeared before the Katakwi grade one magistrate, Agnes Abalo, where he was formally charged before pleading not guilty to the accusations leveled against him.
The prosecution alleges that Aleli engaged in fraudulent activities spanning from 2010 to 2024, involving several parcels of land, including Plot 132 Block 3, plot 48 on Block 3, and Plot 100 on Block 3. Additionally, he stands accused of neglecting to provide adequate planning for plot 132 block 3 within Katakwi town during the same period.
Despite Mr. Aleli’s attempt to secure bail, his efforts were thwarted by Mr. George Engena, the resident State Attorney of Katakwi. Engena highlighted the ongoing nature of investigations into the matter, expressing concerns that granting bail to the accused could potentially compromise the integrity of the investigation process.
“The custody of the accused is crucial as the office is being treated as a crime scene, and investigating officers are actively examining pertinent documents,” Engena emphasized during the proceedings.
In light of the State Attorney’s submissions, the magistrate ordered the remand of Mr. Aleli until February 26, 2024, when he is scheduled to appear in court for further mention of the case. Despite assertions from Mr. Aleli’s lawyer, Mr. Onyait, that the charges are speculative and devoid of corruption-related elements, concerns surrounding the alleged fraudulent sale of land persist.
According to Katakwi’s Resident District Commission, Rtd Maj Godfrey Katamba, Aleli’s involvement in dubious land transactions extends to the fraudulent sale of various parcels of land, including 12 acres of NARO land, 1000 acres of Olilim land, and over 12000 hectares of government land in Okore.
