Former Lira Sub County councilor remanded over illegal sale of public land
By Denis Okello (denis.okello@vol.co.ug)
Lira
Lira grade one magistrate’s court has remanded for a period of one month, former Lira Sub County chairman Anthony Ojuka who was arrested by the State House Anti-corruption unit over illegal possession of public land in Lira city East division vide CRB 888/2023.
State prosecutor Magala Joel, said Ojuka, a resident of Lira city West division and his sister Atino Hilder registered public land on plot 17, Ben Emoro road in the names of Atino Hilder illegally, contrary to section 198 of registration of titles Act.
The duo is also accused of obtaining a land tittle for the land contrary to section 330 of the penal code Act.
The incidence happened around February 2019 and September 2020.
However, Ojuka Anthony denied the allegations.
Lawyer Moses Okot Junior Bitek who is representing Ojuka asked court to release him on bail, reasoning that his client had not been proven guilty.
Okot Bitek who is also Kyoga county MP, Amolatar district said Ojuka is a law abiding citizen, a reason he who was elected as councilor by locals of Lira Sub County.
Okot added that Ojuka plans to contest for Lira city West division mayoral seat and will not flee once released.
Okot Bitek presented three sureties who include; Ojok Isaac Gerald the assistant bursar of Lira Town College, Ojuka’s mother Acio Lilly Grace and his brother, Ningo Morris.
But the state prosecutor Magala Joel asked court not to release Ojuka on bail since he has been on the run and it cost government a lot to arrest him.
Magala said Ojuka should not be released on bail especially now that his sister Atim Hilder is still on the run and releasing him may jeopardize the court process.
Lira grade one magistrate Jane Tibagonzeka said much as it is Ojuka’s right to be released on bail, court could not release him when his sister is still at large and remanded him till 21/12/2023.
Okot Bitek told journalists that he would do all it takes to have Ojuka released.
