February 02, 2024. Prominent Lira businessman, Etwop Geoffrey, was arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrates Court in Lira by State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) on charges of Fraudulently Procuring a Certificate of Title.
According to investigations between 2017 and 2020, Etwop presented a falsified letter to the District Land Board and Lira MZO. The letter, dated December 23rd, 2019, purported to show approval from the Lira Municipal Council’s Physical Planning Committee for a freehold title to Plot 16-18 Soroti Road Camp swahili Central Division. The alleged approval referenced minute number LMC PPC 083/12/2019, land authorities claim is fictitious.
Investigations also revealed that Plot 16-18 is designated as a public open space according to the approved Physical Plan of Lira Municipal Council for the period 2016-2026.
Etwop Geoffrey was remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate Court of Lira until February 5th, 2024.