Greedy locals grabbing land, says Amuru boss

Protest. Armed residents of Apaa Ogali in Amuru Sub-county, Amuru District protest land grabbing in 2015. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OKELLO

What you need to know:

Allegation. Mr Lakony alleges that several wealthy residents have attempted to bribe him over land issues.

Amuru.

The Amuru District chairperson, Mr Michael Lakony, has blamed the rising cases of land disputes and land grabbing in the area on “ greedy wealthy residents.”

Residents and leaders in the district have always blamed government for the escalating land wrangles.
However, while addressing residents and stakeholders during the National Land Awareness Week campaign last week, Mr Lakony said wealthy residents are conspiring with the district land committee to grab land.

“The land war has twisted now from the government to our wealthy individuals who are grabbing land mercilessly, they are conniving with the district land committee to evict residents from their land,” he said.

He highlighted land disputes in Lujoro, Bana, Omee, Atoro and Kololo which he said are being triggered by individuals within the district.

Mr Lakony said majority of the wealthy individuals in the district are campaigning negatively against government’s intentions to develop the district yet they are taking advantage of the vulnerable residents.

“Our own who have money; they are more dangerous than the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels because they don’t care. They are behind the numerous evictions,” he noted.

Mr Lakony also alleged that on several occasion some residents have attempted to bribe him over land issues.
He said government through Madhvani Group of Companies is only interested in the 40,000 hectares land in Lakang village for investment.

The Kilak North MP, Mr Anthony Akol, however acknowledged that the land conflicts in the district are combined factors which involve both government and residents.

He, however, faulted Mr Lakony for uttering blank statements to clear government over land grabbing in the district. “It’s evident enough that the government has interest in Lakang, that’s why it’s using Madhvani Group of Companies. This cannot be ruled out because if Madhvani is interested in the land and not the government, they should negotiate with the land owners,” Mr Akol said.

In 2006 government wanted to give 40,000 hectares of Lakang land to Madhvani Group of companies to establish a sugar cane estate. However, the move was protested by locals and a section of political leaders in the district who argue that government wants to grab people’s lands.

Currently, 1,500 households are unsure of ownership of the contested land should a deed settlement signed between the government, Michael Ocula and other representatives of land on January 6 , 2015 be put in place.

The issue

Ownership. Currently, 1,500 households are unsure of ownership of the contested land should a deed settlement signed between the government, Michael Ocula and other representatives of land on January 6 , 2015 be put in place. .