Arua District Council Demands Transparency Over Land Deal for Military Barracks Site

April 9, 2025 | Arua, Uganda – Arua District Council has issued a formal request to LC5 Chairman, Alfred Okuonzi, demanding that he disclose the terms and conditions as well as the land title details regarding a parcel of district land along Enyau Road in Arua City. The land, which was previously home to a military barracks, has become the center of a growing controversy.

The Council’s decision comes amid concerns raised by local leaders and residents about the intended use of the land and the lack of clarity surrounding its legal and administrative status. The site, which had been occupied by military forces in the past, is now a subject of interest for potential development projects.

Council members argue that full transparency is required to ensure that the land’s future use benefits the local community and aligns with the district’s long-term development goals. They have emphasized the importance of ensuring that the land title details and any agreements made are accessible to the public to prevent potential misuse or corruption.

In response, Chairman Alfred Okuonzi has acknowledged the council’s demand and assured the public that he would provide the requested details in a timely manner. However, he has not yet specified when the information will be disclosed.

The land dispute is expected to spark further debates at the upcoming council meeting, with many local leaders urging for greater accountability and citizen involvement in the decision-making process. The matter has also attracted the attention of activists and civil society organizations who are advocating for transparency in the management of public resources.

As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the district council’s demands will lead to a more open discussion about the land's future or whether political pressures will cloud the process.