Lira, Uganda – July 9, 2025 — The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has today convicted and sentenced four individuals, including former government officials and businessmen, in a case involving the fraudulent acquisition of land within the Lira Central Forest Reserve.
The convicted include:
• Omara Geoffrey, former Physical Planner, Lira District, sentenced to a fine of UGX 2 million or 4 years in prison.
• Ocen Alwong Joseph, former Senior Land Management Officer, Lira, sentenced to a fine of UGX 1 million or 2 years in prison.
• Okello Lawrence, a businessman, sentenced to a fine of UGX 6.4 million or 2 years in prison.
• Okwiri Joel, businessman, sentenced to a fine of UGX 5 million or 2 years in prison.
The four were found guilty of offenses including Abuse of Office, Fraudulent Procurement of a Certificate of Title, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Altering Boundary Marks, and Occupying Protected Land for Commercial Gain.
In a plea bargain agreement, all accused persons pleaded guilty and collectively agreed to pay fines totaling over UGX 14.4 million. In default, each will serve the corresponding prison term.
Notably, Okello Lawrence committed to returning the illegally obtained land title to the Commissioner of Land Registration for cancellation.
In a landmark decision aimed at upholding integrity in public service, the court also barred all four convicts from holding any public office for the next ten years.
This case marks a significant step forward in protecting Uganda’s natural resources and enforcing accountability in land management processes.
