Lira City East leaders accused of illegally selling government land

2 April 2026, 10:37 am

By Ceaser Odongo

At least three political leaders in Lira City East Division Council have been implicated in the alleged illegal sale of government land, prompting councillors to threaten a petition to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

The female councillor for Telela Ward, Norah Akidi, raised the concern, alleging that last year three division councillors sold part of the former Lira Central Division headquarters land to a prominent businessman in Lira City and shared the proceeds among themselves.

Akidi, who also serves as chairperson of the division finance committee, vowed to formally petition the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate the matter. While withholding the names of the accused, she criticised the division town clerk for failing to take action against the suspects.

She further revealed that, following internal investigations, the council allocated funds in the current budget to fence the disputed land, but no progress has been made. Akidi called on fellow leaders to take decisive action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The councillor for Acwao Ward, Tom Awio, emphasised that the division authorities should revoke the land ownership from the buyer, insisting that government land must remain public property.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Lira City East Division, George Okello Ayo, stated that both his office and that of the town clerk are not aware of any illegal land sale. However, he warned that anyone involved in unauthorised transactions concerning the former Lira Central Division land would face serious consequences, noting that the land is legally titled under the division.

The allegations have sparked calls for accountability and transparency, placing leaders under pressure to protect public land and maintain trust in local governance.