Former Lira City Planner, Businessman Remanded Over Forest Reserve Scam24/7 UPDATES IN UGANDA
Kampala, Uganda – The Anti-Corruption Court of Uganda has remanded former Lira City Physical Planner Omara Geoffrey and prominent businessman Okello Lawrence until May 6, 2025, on charges of abuse of office and fraud.
The duo faces multiple counts, including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, conspiracy to commit a felony, altering boundary marks, and occupying a forest reserve for commercial purposes.
According to court proceedings on April 29, 2025, Omara Geoffrey allegedly extracted a false forwarding letter dated June 12, 2018, claiming the Physical Planning Committee had approved a leasehold title application for the Lira Forest Reserve. He then processed and procured a title, which was transferred to Okello Lawrence.
This isn’t Omara’s first brush with the law; he’s been convicted twice for similar offenses related to government land sales in Lira City and District.
Okello Lawrence allegedly cleared part of the forest reserve, drained it, and attempted to construct a petrol station despite Ministry of Water and Environment warnings.
The ministry notified Okello of the illegal occupation, but he purportedly proceeded with construction due to alleged political backing.
Previous reports of alleged political motivations behind the State House Anti-Corruption Unit’s actions in Lira City could potentially be connected to this case.
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