By Our Reporter
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, has today arraigned Owani Kenneth Allan before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of corruption and conspiracy to defraud.
Owani becomes the third suspect to face court in connection with a high-profile land fraud case in Lira District. His co-accused, Chankoma Paul — former Chairperson of the Lira District Land Board — and Ojuka Anthony, a former district councillor and secretary for production, were charged earlier on similar grounds. The trio is accused of soliciting a UGX 70 million bribe from a land buyer, Mr. Eryao Francis, and receiving UGX 5 million as partial payment.
According to court documents and investigations, in 2023, Eryao legally purchased land in Lira registered under Title LIRI 181, Folio 3, Plot 31. However, the accused allegedly claimed that the title had been fraudulently issued to the previous owners and was due for cancellation. They then offered to “protect” Eryao’s interest in the property — in exchange for a substantial bribe.
The suspects are said to have assured Eryao that they could influence the land board’s decision not to revoke his land title. Evidence shows that UGX 5 million was paid as a down payment through intermediaries, with UGX 65 million still outstanding.
Owani, who had previously been at large, was apprehended and presented in court this afternoon. The charges brought against him include violations of Sections 2 and 26 of the Anti-Corruption Act and Section 309 of the Penal Code, which pertain to corrupt practices and conspiracy to defraud.
He has been remanded to Luzira Prison until June 2, 2025, as investigations continue and prosecution prepares for full trial proceedings.
The case underscores the government’s renewed crackdown on graft, particularly within land administration — a sector that has been marred by increasing reports of fraud, bribery, and manipulation.
More suspects and developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.