Amuria Clan Leaders Appeal High Court Ruling Favoring Soroti Catholic Diocese in Land Dispute
The battle for land between Clan leaders in Amuria District and Soroti Catholic Diocese looks like it will not come to rest as early as it was expected following
a group of six people including clan leaders seek for court of Appeal’s decision over the same matter.
According to their notice of appeal which was filed to court of Appeal Registry, the group expressed their disatisfication with the decision of High Court Judge Henry Peter Adonyo delivered in the case they failed against Amuria District Land Board , Fr Joseph Ipurale Ocom and Registered trustees of Soroti Catholic Diocese.
In their notice of appeal, these contend that the learned judge erred in fact and law when he failed to determine the Preliminary objection raised by Apellants/Plaintiffs on the Capacity Fr Joseph Ipurale Ocom to apply for a freehold title and surveying the auit land.
“The learned trial erred in law and fact when he failed to visit locus and delegated the same to the Registrar who didn’t hear the matter thus resulting into miscarriage of justice.”
That the learned trial judge erred in law and fact when he held that the appellants had made departure from their pleadings well as not
“The learned trial judge erred in law and fact that and fact in dismissing the claims of the 5th and 6th Plaintiffs. That the plaintiffs were not the rightful owners of the suit land and decreed the same to the third party.”
That the trial trial judge also erred in law and fact in holding that the survey and demarcation were done lawfully since the neighbors were consulted whereas not, when he wrongly dismissed the plaintiff’s case with costs on grounds that it was legally untenable.
“The learned trial judge erred in law and fact in holding that the plaintiffs in bringing their suit, intended to use the Judicial system to grab land belonging to the 3rd Defendant on a false and bogus claim.”
Background
Aleu Mark, Egaru Richard
Odongo Thomas, Eculu Vincent, Anoku Alex and Ekeu Joseph referred to as plaintiffs in 2014 dragged to Soroti High Court Amuria District Land Board, Fr Joseph Ipurale ans Registered Trustees of Soroti Diocese claiming that they are the customary owners of the land located at Obur village and Ajonai village,Ococia parish, Ogolai sub- county,Orungo county in Amuria District.
These asked court to issue a permanent injunction restraining the respondents,their agents , workers and members of the general public from, Registering and granting a certificate of freehold landownership in favour of St. Peter Canisius – Orungo.
An injunction restraining the above people from Tresspassing on the said land , evicts the plaintiffs from the suit, unilaterally planting survey stones on land customarily owned by plaintiffs.
However in response to the above allegations, the respondents asked court to dismiss the matter with costs on ground that the plaintiffs have no cause of action against them.
“Tae 2nd and 3rd defendants contend that at all material times, Soroti
Catholic Diocese (St Peter Canisius Catholic Church) has been the lawful
and rightful owner of the suit land measuring approximately 20 acres/gardens it allotted to Ococia Girls S.S for its development since 1997. The uncle of the 1st plaintiff, the late Opoi Yuventino donated part of his land measuring 4 acres, now North West of the disputed land, to the Catholic church of St Peter Canisius.”
Court rulling
in his ruling delivered on 14th October 2022 at Soroti high court, Justice Henry Peter Adonyo dismissed the case on grounds that the evidence produced was full of inconsistencies and contradictions.
“Arising from above, it is thus hereby declared that the suit land as
shown from the demarcation in the map exhibit DEx.5 belongs to Soroti Catholic Diocese (St Peters Carnisius, Orungo).”
The judge also issued a Permanent injuction is hereby issued resfraining the
plaintiffs/counter defendants and / or their authorized agents from interfering with the counterclaimants’ /defendants’ occupation, possession and enjoyment of the suit land
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UNAU Urges Integration of SDGs in Schools to Empower Ugandan Youth for Sustainable Development
The United Nations Association in Uganda (UNAU) has called for the creation of accessible platforms for Ugandan youth to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to their achievement, emphasizing the integration of SDGs into school curricula.
This call was made by Linda Asaba, UNAU’s Programs Manager and coordinator of the Accelerate SDGs initiative across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, during the closure of a two-day Youth Advocacy for SDGs Implementation event in Uganda.
Asaba, who believes in the power of capacity-building and awareness creation, stressed the critical role of Uganda’s youthful population—78% of the country’s total population—in achieving the SDGs. She emphasized that for Uganda to make significant strides towards sustainable development, young people must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills from an early age.
The event, which brought together young leaders from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, is part of a broader initiative supported by the United Nations Association of Finland. The first day of the event focused on peer-to-peer learning, allowing participants to share experiences and best practices from their respective countries. On the second day, attendees collaborated on developing actionable plans to implement SDG-related initiatives within their communities.
Asaba lauded Uganda’s efforts to localize the SDGs by integrating them into the National Development Plan and Vision 2040. However, she stressed the need for further efforts, particularly in creating avenues that allow every citizen to contribute meaningfully to the SDGs. “Uganda has done well in localizing the SDGs, but we can do more to push the agenda further,” she said.
Despite these efforts, Uganda is performing at an average rate of 52% in SDG achievement. According to Asaba, the country faces significant challenges, including limited resources to support youth capacity-building. “With 78% of Uganda’s population being youth, there is a need to ensure that every young person is skilled and knowledgeable, but the resources for this are limited,” she noted.
During the event, participants shared inspiring stories and best practices from their countries. Winnie Nina Joan Jo, the UNAU Chapter President at Kyambogo University, expressed her excitement about the workshop and pledged to work with fellow youth to localize the SDGs within her community. She highlighted the Tanzanian youth’s active involvement in political agendas as an example Uganda could learn from, urging greater participation of young people in driving SDG-related policies.
Isaac Nasasira, Uganda’s Youth Representative in Africa’s United Nations Youth Delegation Program, identified youth unemployment and limited access to digital tools as the main challenges facing Uganda’s youth. He called on the government to invest in providing affordable digital equipment and establish community centers where young people can access the necessary tools for research and learning.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment among participants to continue advocating for the SDGs and ensuring that young people have the resources and opportunities they need to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Top Lawyers Robert Senfuka and Umar Nyanzi Face Seven Years’ Imprisonment on Fraud Charges
Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi has summoned two city lawyers to answer criminal charges of fraud.
Lawyers Robert Senfuka and Umar Nyanzi of SK and partners Advocates are directed to appear before Magistrate Kayizzi on 2rd of December 2024 to answer charges of fraud in regard to alleged forgery of land sale agreements for sell of Kibanja in Katanga near Wandegeya.
“The accused persons are hereby directed to appear on December 2 this year. But also this is a matter that can be sorted before then” Kayizzi said when issuing the summons.
The two accused lawyers were supposed to appear in Court on 18th of November 2024 but their lawyers told court that their clients received the said summons when they already have serious appointments to handle but are ready to appear and defend themselves.
Kayizzi’s decision came after the private prosecutor, Patrick Furah revealed that the suspects were served through their lawyers and also via WhatsApp and confirmed receipt of the summons but were not in court.
Senfuka and Nyanzi are facing accusations of forgery, uttering false documents and conspiracy to commit a felony following a complaint filed by pastor Daniel Walugembe through his lawyers.
Walugembe alleges that the said lawyers under their law firm SK and patterners Advocates while acting for and on behalf of Dr Ntwatwa Lule in July 21 2023 committed criminal acts when knowingly and unlawfully altered sales agreements dated February 9, 1996 and August 13, 1996 respectively.
He alleges that the accused lawyers forged his agreement of February 9, 1996 and that August 13 1996 to indicate his MTN telephone numbers and that of his lawyer as well as bearing Land Act Cap 227 as the law under which the agreement was executed in 1996 did not exist but alter the authentic agreements acquired by Walugembe.
The complaint further states that the genuine and authentic sales agreements bore a certificate of translation whereas the forged ones did not.
Walugembe contends that the said agreements originated on behalf of Dr Ntwatwa thereby committing the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony before they were uttered before the Magistrates Court at LDC on July 10 2023 while cross examining him.
In August 14 2024, the Court at Buganda Road found that the alleged forged documents were uttered to the Deputy Registrar of the Land Division, Jeneva Natukunda who certified them ‘possibly in error’.
“I therefore do sanction the charges of forgery of the said sales agreement, uttering of false documents and conspiracy to commit a felony. I also issue criminal summons against the person complained against who are Robert Senfuka and Umar Nyanzi,” reads the court ruling.
It is alleged that on July 21 2023, the law firm, SK and partners Advocates while representing Dr Ntwatwa petitioned the head of Land Division accusing Walugembe of fraud and indicated that for further particulars, the court can contact Robert Senfuka or Mr Umar Nyanzi.
A case of forgery is contrary to Section 342 and 347 of the Penal Code Act, Uttering false documents is contrary to Section 351 while Conspiracy to commit a felony is contrary to Section 390 of the Penal Code Act and the convict is likely to face not more than seven years imprisonment.
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Ben Priest Takes Center Stage on Xavieradio’s Uncensored Podcast with Tintah Deogratius
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Canadian listeners will get a front-row seat to an extraordinary conversation between Xavieradio’s Tintah Deogratius and Nigerian reggae star Ben Priest. Airing live at 1 PM Canada Time, this Uncensored podcast episode will explore Ben Priest’s transformative journey as a musician, his spiritual foundation, and his global impact as a reggae artist. Follow Live On https://onlineradiobox.com/ca/xavierug/
A Spiritual Foundation Meets Musical Talent
Ben Priest’s upbringing in Cross River State, Nigeria, was steeped in spiritual discipline, with his pastor father serving as a guiding influence. This background inspired his deep connection to the Bible and his embrace of reggae as a genre that harmonizes spirituality with real-life experiences.
His music is celebrated for its lyrical depth, addressing themes such as human rights, peace, and unity. With hits like Freeman and Human Rights, Ben Priest has carved a niche for himself, blending soulful melodies with thought-provoking messages.
The Legacy of Lucky Dube and Beyond
As a former lead vocalist for Lucky Dube’s band, Ben Priest’s career took off, and he gained international recognition for his powerful tributes to the late legend. His solo works, including the albums Freeman, I Got A Roof, and Jah Live, have solidified his status as a reggae icon.
Ben’s dedication to his craft has earned him accolades such as the Obaland Royal Award and nominations for the Ghana Nigeria Music Awards. His impact extends beyond music, as he uses his platform to advocate for social change and spiritual growth.
Tintah Deogratius and Xavieradio Canada
As a broadcaster, activist, and founder of Xavieradio, Tintah Deogratius has built a reputation for hosting meaningful conversations on topics ranging from human rights to global culture. His Uncensored podcast is known for spotlighting influential figures like Ben Priest, providing listeners with rich, inspiring narratives.
Tune in this Saturday for an unforgettable episode of Uncensored as Tintah Deogratius delves into Ben Priest’s life, music, and vision for the future.