Kampala — THE army has blocked Lira district land board from selling Lira Army Primary School land. "The UPDF 5th Division authority has stopped any development on this land, which is occupied by Lira Army Primary School next to Lira military barracks until clarification is made on the matter by the concerned authority and the line ministry," the division spokesperson said in a statement.

Capt. Deo Akiiki said he was surprised to find the school compound being marked by the district staff.

"We had to stop them until we consult with our land office in Bombo. We informed the district authorities.

"Even if some people owned land in the area, the law should protect such an institution of public interest. The school has a big number of pupils from the civilian community."

He added that they were guarding the property against intruders. Lira mayor Peter Owiny said he was not aware of the sale of the school land. "The army should not allow anybody to survey or mark plots on the school land."