By Spy Uganda
Former Lira District Councillor Ojuka Anthony was on Monday arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on charges of corruption and conspiracy to defraud, following a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Ojuka, who previously served as Secretary of the Production and Natural Resources Committee in Lira District, is accused of soliciting a UGX 70 million bribe alongside other officials, including Chankoma Paul, Chairperson of the Lira District Land Board.
According to prosecution, the accused officials demanded the bribe in 2023 from Eryao Francis, a landowner who had purchased property registered as LIRI 181, Folio 3, Plot 31 in Lira. The officials claimed the land title had been fraudulently issued to the previous owners and was under threat of cancellation. In exchange for a bribe, they allegedly promised to influence the land board to protect Eryao’s interest and ensure the title remained valid.
Eryao reportedly paid UGX 5 million as a partial bribe before reporting the matter to authorities.
Ojuka has been remanded to prison until May 27, 2025, as investigations continue and his co-accused await further legal action.
The case highlights growing concerns over corruption within local land administration structures and the continued efforts by Uganda’s anti-graft bodies to hold public officials accountable.
