Clan cancels MP Otto’s land deal
Nov 22, 2009
MEMBERS of Pailim clan in Angagura sub-county, Pader district have cancelled a land deal between Aruu MP Samuel Odonga Otto and a member of the clan, Vincent Nyeko.
By Cornes Lubangakene
MEMBERS of Pailim clan in Angagura sub-county, Pader district have cancelled a land deal between Aruu MP Samuel Odonga Otto and a member of the clan, Vincent Nyeko.
The deal involving four hectares of land at the shores of Aruu Falls was cancelled by the clan members chaired by Michael Okumu.
The sh1.8m, which Odonga had paid as the first installment for one year, was given back to him through his agent, Francis Komakech, at Angagura sub-county headquarters on Friday.
According to Okumu, Odonga trespassed on the clan’s land without the consent of the members.
“He used his agent to come up with an already written tenancy agreement which Nyeko and his colleagues did not understand,†he said.
According to the agreement between Nyeko , the land lord and Mbea Safari Apartment that belongs to Odonga, the tenancy was to be held for five years.
It says the tenant shall use the land for business including tourism and hotel.
Much as the agreement stipulated a sh2m annual rent fee, only sh1.8 was given to Nyeko.
However, a contradicting letter of November 18 signed by Lapaya village LC1 Santo Amos Okello, Nyeko acknowledged receipt of sh2m.
When the New Vision spoke to him on phone, Odonga said “the clan’s voice had over-powered the land owner.â€
“There is nothing I can do now since they have returned my money. The only thing is that the cost incurred remains a permanent caveat to whoever is involved. Like the cost of clearing the site, legal costs and others.â€
Currently, Aruu Falls is receiving many tourists who go un taxed.
MEMBERS of Pailim clan in Angagura sub-county, Pader district have cancelled a land deal between Aruu MP Samuel Odonga Otto and a member of the clan, Vincent Nyeko.
The deal involving four hectares of land at the shores of Aruu Falls was cancelled by the clan members chaired by Michael Okumu.
The sh1.8m, which Odonga had paid as the first installment for one year, was given back to him through his agent, Francis Komakech, at Angagura sub-county headquarters on Friday.
According to Okumu, Odonga trespassed on the clan’s land without the consent of the members.
“He used his agent to come up with an already written tenancy agreement which Nyeko and his colleagues did not understand,†he said.
According to the agreement between Nyeko , the land lord and Mbea Safari Apartment that belongs to Odonga, the tenancy was to be held for five years.
It says the tenant shall use the land for business including tourism and hotel.
Much as the agreement stipulated a sh2m annual rent fee, only sh1.8 was given to Nyeko.
However, a contradicting letter of November 18 signed by Lapaya village LC1 Santo Amos Okello, Nyeko acknowledged receipt of sh2m.
When the New Vision spoke to him on phone, Odonga said “the clan’s voice had over-powered the land owner.â€
“There is nothing I can do now since they have returned my money. The only thing is that the cost incurred remains a permanent caveat to whoever is involved. Like the cost of clearing the site, legal costs and others.â€
Currently, Aruu Falls is receiving many tourists who go un taxed.