AMURU– The LCI chairperson of Palukere East, Martine Olanya, and Buciri Okwera, the LCII chairperson of Palukere Parish in Opara Sub-county in Amuru district have been suspended for allegedly conspiring to sell community land to herders commonly known as Balalo.
The locals accuse the local leaders of illegally appointing a resident, Samuel Komakech Oyat as their secretary. In their petition lodged to the office of the LCIII chairperson of Opara Sub-county on January 5, 2023, the petitioners accused the trio of grabbing and selling community land.
The petitioners led by one Denis Ojok, a resident of Palukere East, said that the two local council leaders had already sold 250 acres of community which was used as a community kraal for some Balalo who have been fencing the area.
Ojok said the community kraal served locals from three villages of Juba, Lagot Tar and Palukere East.
According to Joseph Ochan, another petitioner, Olanya and Okwera have gone ahead to misuse their stamps by authorising the sale of land in Pawel, which is not in their area of jurisdiction, something he said if not handled well, would cause violent conflicts.
Peter Lukwiya, the LCIII chairperson of Opara Sub-county confirmed receipt of the petition by the locals, saying Olanya and Okwera have been suspended, to pave way for investigations into the allegations labeled against them.
Following a meeting on January 12, 2023, this year at Palukere Primary School, Lukwiya appointed the deputies of the suspended two local council leaders to serve in acting capacity.
According to Lukwiya, a team headed by the sub-county chief has been formed to investigate the matter and ascertain how many acres have been sold by Olanya and Okwera.
“We want to ascertain the land we have lost to these two [Olanya and Okwera] and find ways of canceling the sales. You can`t sell community land without the consent of the members,” Lukwiya said.
Michael Lakony, the Amuru district LCV chairperson said the actions of Olanya and Okwera were unfortunate and frustrating since locals are being advised against selling land to Balalo and other unscrupulous people.
“It is good that the locals reported the leaders to the local authorities. Much as we are trying to protect community land, there are money-minded people who are frustrating our efforts,” Lakony said.
https://thecooperator.news/mp-akugizibwe-urges-voters-to-secure-land/
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