By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Anti-Corruption Division Court has convicted and sentenced two former officials of Lira City alongside two businessmen over fraudulent acquisition of government Forest Reserve Land.
The four who were convicted and sentenced on Monday, 7th July, 2025 are; Omara Geoffrey, former Physical Planner, Lira, was sentenced to pay a fine Shs2 million or 4 years in prison.
Ocen Alwong Joseph, former Senior Land Management Officer, Lira was sentenced to a fine of Shs1 million or 2 years in prison.
Okello Lawrence, a businessman based in Lira City was sentenced to fine of Shs6.4 million or 2 years in prison and his accomplice, Okwiri Joel, also, a businessman was sentenced to pay a fine of Shs5 million or 2 years in prison.
These convictions are related to their involvement in the fraudulent procurement of a title for part of the Lira Central Forest Reserve.
The defendants faced charges including Abuse of Office, Fraudulent Procurement of a Certificate of Title, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Altering Boundary Marks, and Occupying the Lira Central Forest Reserve for Commercial Purposes.
The accused entered into a plea bargain where they pleaded guilty and were sentenced to pay a total of over Shs14.4 million in fines or face imprisonment if they default.
Businessman Okello Lawrence has agreed, to return the land title he fraudulently obtained to the Commissioner of Land Registration for cancellation. Additionally, all the convicted individuals are barred from holding public office for the next 10 years.
