By Alele Ronald Ongwech
A land dispute in Lira District has taken a dramatic turn, with the police allegedly using illegal means to deprive Hon. Julius Acon, MP for Otuke East Constituency, of his lawfully allocated land. The incident has prompted a call for intervention from Minister of State for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja.
According to reports, the police in Lira District have been using strong-arm tactics to grab land from various individuals, including Hon. Acon. The MP’s land was allocated to him by the Lira District Land Board, but the police have allegedly been trying to force him off the land.
Dr. Mayanja’s attention was drawn to the matter after a locus visit to Lira District on February 13, 2025. During the visit, it was confirmed that the police had indeed allocated land to themselves, and that Hon. Acon’s land was among those affected.
Despite directives from Dr. Mayanja to the Lira District Police Commander to restore Hon. Acon’s building materials, release his workers, and protect his property, the police have continued to defy these orders. This has led to a request for Dr. Mayanja’s intervention to resolve the matter.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of land ownership and administration in Uganda. As Minister of State for Lands, Dr. Mayanja has been vocal about the need for proper land administration and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Dr. Mayanja’s intervention is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of Hon. Acon and other citizens are protected. The Minister’s office has been urged to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that the police do not continue to act with impunity.
