Lira City, CAA sued over alleged land encroachment
Ojuka
By Patrick Okino
Residents of Anai ward in Lira City have filed a lawsuit against the Lira City Land Board and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), claiming encroachment on over 300 hectares of their land for the construction of Anai Airfield.
The proposed Airfield, is designed to replace the existing 1200 meters Lira Aerodrome located near Lira military barracks.
Preliminary works of the Airfield was conducted in 2024 but the project has since faced delays over land conflicts.
Represented by Okwi and Company Advocates, 68 residents have accused the defendants of fraudulently registering the land and are seeking a permanent injunction and cancellation of the title fraudulently acquired.
The land, spanning four villages—Wigweng, Opionyoro, Agali, and Pida Erute—was allegedly encroached upon after the Lira City Land Board allocated it to the UCAA for airport construction.
However, the residents argue that the City unlawfully expanded the proposed airport boundaries, including land in Kole District.
A survey confirmed that the title issued by Lira City extended beyond its jurisdiction into Kole, covering parts of Atilem, Akuriluba, Bungabunga, and Ireda—areas where the defendants have no legal authority. The disputed title covers approximately 353.593 hectares, encroaching on the Lira-Apac highway, a major public road. The plaintiffs argue that this makes the title illegal and void.
The legal notice claims the land in question is about 520.24 hectares, approximately 1,285 acres—far larger than the original airport proposal, which only covered around 100.86 hectares. This discrepancy amounts to an excess of about 1,036 acres, which the residents say was fraudulently acquired.
The plaintiffs, many of whom have ancestral ties to the land, assert their rights over it, claiming they have lived on it for generations and that it forms the core of their family heritage and livelihood.
Anthony Ojuka, a former councilor, stated over 1800 people have been affected and that the survey was done without consulting the affected communities.
He believes the land grab is a tactic to displace locals in the name of airport development.
He added that if the land is needed for the airport, the City should negotiate with the residents and compensate them appropriately.
“Our prayer is that the title should be cancelled because it was acquired fraudulently and fresh negotiation is done in case of any extension,” Ojuka said.
Robert Okello Ayo, spokesperson for Lira City, confirmed that the City Land Board is working on its defense in the case. He declined to comment further, citing the ongoing court proceedings.
The court will now decide the fate of this land dispute, which has generated significant local concern.
