By Jamillah Kemigisa
A businessman has been remanded to prison after appearing before the Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court on allegations of violently taking over land belonging to St. Luke Church of Uganda in Omoro District.
Abola Peter was on Wednesday afternoon arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). He faces charges of forcible entry and is expected to reappear in court on 10 December 2025.
According to prosecution, Abola is accused of unlawfully and violently entering an 18-acre piece of Church land between October and 20 November 2025 at Koro Abili Village, Labwoc Parish in Koro Subcounty. Investigators allege that he transported concrete poles, wire mesh and chain-link fencing materials onto the property in an attempt to fence it off and assume control.
The disputed land hosts St. Luke Church, a primary school and a Health Centre II that serves the surrounding community. Authorities say Abola’s actions allegedly restricted community access to health services and that he reportedly chased away health centre staff without presenting any lawful court order.
Historical documents cited by Church officials indicate that St. Luke Church of Uganda has occupied the land since 1926, using it to support worship, education and healthcare services for nearly a century. Until the current incident, no major disputes had been recorded over the property.
The court process is ongoing, and the accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
