62 Oyam Residents petition Museveni Accusing Gulu State Attorney of Land Grabbing, Grave Desecration
Oyam residents petitioned President Museveni over Gulu State Attoney Sarah Amony.
GRAVES LEVELLED: Gulu State Attorney Sarah Amony at the center of Oyam land dispute allegation.
LAND ROW: Oyam widow narrated ordeal as State Attorney is cited in ‘brutal’ eviction, wants president Museveni to intervene in the matter.
By Okidi Patrick
OYAM, UGANDA – Several residents of Anyomolyec Village and Otwal Trading Centre in Oyam District want president Museveni to investigate extensively Gulu State Attoney, Amony Sarah over gross misconduct.
The families in question are living in fear following allegations that a senior judicial officer has used her influence to forcibly dispossess them of their ancestral land.
The residents have pointed fingers at Ms. Sarah Amony, the Resident State Attorney for Gulu City, accusing her of employing hired agents and armed personnel to evict families, destroy property, and desecrate graves.
The most harrowing account comes from 35-year-old Collins Ayiko, a widow and mother of four. She claims a tractor, escorted by police, descended on her home at dawn, flattening her houses and burning food stores containing sacks of sorghum and beans.
“I had to run for my life. They have now fenced off the land, including my husband’s grave,” Ayiko told the media She is currently seeking refuge in a makeshift grass-thatched hut, claiming her life is under constant threat from Ms. Amony’s agents.
The land dispute has taken a new twist on local infrastructure. Richard Agwa, a local leader, reported that pupils from Agolo Primary School and Otwal Secondary School have been blocked from attending classes after a vital community access road was fenced off by the embattled Gulu RSA Sarah Amony.
“The road has been used for decades. Now, our children cannot get to school because someone decided it is their private property,” Agwa said during a community meeting on Saturday.
What has left the community of over 62 affected households most bitter is the alleged involvement of local police. Residents claim that those who attempt to protest the takeover are arrested on “trumped-up” charges.
Patrick Agwai, 54, alleged that the Oyam District CID chief, Lucy Ayo, has been used to intimidate locals during community meetings. “We are asking the President and 4th Division Infantry Army Commander to protect us. We can no longer trust the local police,” Agwai said.
They have signed a petition copied to IGG , Attoney General, DPP, Human Right commission, among others for quick intervention.
When contacted by the media, a high ranking officer, condemned the alleged involvement of soldiers in civil land matters.
“It is unfortunate if a State Attorney is using soldiers to threaten civilians. A State Attorney is not permitted to move with military escorts for such activities,” Col. Oloya stated, urging the public to identify the soldiers involved for disciplinary action.
Mr. Sadam Okullu Onimo, identified by locals as Ms. Amony’s agent and currently overseeing construction on the site, denied the allegations. He insisted that no graves existed on the land and claimed the disputed road was never a public go area as opposed the easement act.
