The sale of a 10,000 acre land in Amuru district for
the establishment of Madhvani sugar factory is at the centre of the fight
between Kilak North MP Anthony Akol and Aruu MP Odonga Otto.
MPs Otto and Akol fought in the Parliament Pigeon hole area on thursday.
Otto had accused Akol of selling Amuru land. Akol
also alleged that Otto went to his constituency to de-campaign him over the
weekend.
Through the Ministry of Lands, Madhvani Group of Companies in partnership with
government in 2017 surveyed and acquired 10,000 hectares of land in Lakang,
Bana, Kololo, Omee, Pailyech, Lujoro, and Lwak Obito in Amuru Sub-county.
Although several Acholi leaders protested the sale of this land, Government
surveyed the land amidst protest and heavy security deployment.
Many leaders, including those who protested the sale were beneficiaries of
compensation after Government surveyed the land.
According to Akol, he had 198 acres of land forcefully demarcated by Government
and claimed by another person.
He says he fought so hard for this, and the
compensation of his land came to him, but he did not sell it.
According to Akol, contrary to claims by Otto that he sold Acholi land, he
actually sold his own land. He says he only received his compensation in 2017.
209 people were affected in this project and to date some were paid fully,
while others are yet to be compensated.
In an interview with Akol, he says Odonga’s claims of fighting him for
selling the land is baseless and is part of his usual political game. He also
denied that he punched Otto, saying it was a slap.
Michael Lakony, the LCV Chairperson of Amuru, who
also received money from the Government says it is indeed true that Government
had interest in the land and as community members, they were overpowered and
had to accept compensation.
He accuses Otto of having political interest in Amuru.
However, Otto in an interview says Akol sold land and it was not morally right.
He says their
position as Acholi leaders was to lease the land, and not sell it completely
for Government to fully own it and Madhvani.
According to Otto, he is out of danger, and hopes Akol faces the rules and
disciplinary committee of Parliament.
Sources who witnessed the bickering in Parliament said Otto assured Akol of how
he will go back to Amuru to de-campaign Akol.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
