Plans to establish a major international airport in Lira have sparked a legal battle between residents and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) over disputed land boundaries, with affected landowners accusing the authority of extending the proposed airport site into privately titled property.
The dispute centres on land in Anai that residents say was originally gazetted by the government of former President Milton Obote in the 1960s for an airport. Tensions rose in October 2024 when UCAA reportedly began demarcating the area as preparations for the proposed airport advanced, followed by what residents described as a drone survey later that month.
Anthony Ojuka, a former Lira District LC5 councillor and Anai resident, said the community later discovered that UCAA had acquired a land title which residents believe overlaps private titles belonging to more than 26 people. The allegations have since escalated into a court case involving dozens of affected landowners.
On March 23, 2026, 68 residents sued UCAA and the Lira City Land Board before the High Court in Lira. Through their lawyers, Okwi and Company Advocates, the residents allege that the UCAA title was fraudulently obtained and extends into land covered by existing private ownership documents.
The residents further claim that the disputed title stretches beyond Lira City into parts of neighbouring Kole District, including areas in Akalo Town Council and Akalo Sub-county.
They also allege that an independent survey by Geoline Enterprise found an overlap with the Lira-Apac Highway road reserve, a claim that they say raises questions about the legality of the title.
The High Court has since directed the parties to pursue mediation, with the three-month process expected to be reviewed when the parties return to court on September 8. Robert Okello Ayo, secretary of the Lira City Land Board and city spokesperson, said authorities remain committed to the airport project and are seeking an amicable solution to concerns raised by affected residents.
Residents insist they are not opposed to the airport, but want clarity on the expansion of the original boundary, proper consultation and fair compensation. They argue that while the original airport land has long been recognised by the community, the proposed expansion involves additional privately owned land whose owners say they were not adequately consulted.
Business leaders in Lango have also backed the airport project, describing it as a potential catalyst for investment, tourism, exports, logistics and employment. Morris Chris Ongom of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lango Chapter, however, called for joint verification of historical boundaries, existing titles and recent surveys, saying the project should proceed without compromising legitimate land rights. He urged authorities to pursue transparent compensation and a multi-stakeholder process that can protect residents while allowing the airport project to move forward.
