Lira City – June 26, 2025
What began as a domestic property dispute turned into a high-stakes standoff last week, after Auma Pamela, the estranged wife of UK-based lango son,Reagan Odongo, stormed a luxurious residence along Lango Road in Lira’s Senior Quarters, claiming ownership of the Shs 4 billion home the two once shared.
The drama unfolded on Wednesday when Auma arrived at the residence aboard a protocol vehicle—Protocol 135—accompanied by soldiers . Eyewitnesses say she climbed over the gate after security guards initially refused her entry, then proceeded to chase out watchmen and other occupants from the compound.
According to Auma, although separated from Odongo, she is entitled to the house as the mother of his four children. “This is the house I built with him. My children grew up here,” she was quoted as shouting, visibly angry.
Sources describe the house as an opulent property, fitted with imported Italian aluminum steel doors and high-end Chinese furniture, with an estimated value of over Shs 4 billion.
The situation escalated further on Friday when Odongo, who had been in the United Kingdom, landed in Uganda and rushed to Lira upon learning that Auma had taken control of the home guarded by soldiers .
By Sunday afternoon, he arrived at the property to find that Auma had already loaded a lorry with household items, including tiles, cookers, fridges, and washing machines.
But the confrontation was far from over.
Later that same evening, Auma returned with reinforcements, this time backed by her clan leaders from the Otikokin and accompanied by the Lira City Central Police Station DPC, Brian Ampaire. Auma claimed she had only returned to collect her personal belongings.
Tensions boiled over when Auma locked herself inside the house. Police had to forcefully open the door. She then locked herself inside another room, prompting further police intervention. The situation was only defused after hours of negotiation and the intervention of respected mediator Mary Akao, who eventually convinced Auma to vacate peacefully.
Odongo and Auma officially divorced in 2006 under UK law,but the current house was built in 2013 after divorce according to a close family member who prefers anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter
The confrontation has brought renewed attention to the complex dynamics of property ownership following divorce, particularly where clan allegiances and traditional authority are still powerful influences.
Both the Oyima and Otikokin clans are now preparing for a formal mediation meeting to find a lasting solution to the dispute, which has captured the attention of the Lango sub-region.
