Kampala — LANDS minister Omara Atubo has accused UPC party officials of attempting to undermine his influence in the Government by accusing him of involvement in land grabbing in Lango region.

Atubo also denied allegations against him by MP Ishaa Otto, that he has grabbed land belonging to Internally Displaced People in Oyam district and displaced over 138 families as he fenced off land in Nora, in Aber Sub County, for private farming.

"Otto is a UPC Member of Parliament. They chased us from their party (UPC) and we are living comfortable lives. Now, they want to follow us to where we are. They want to undermine my influence as minister and in Lango," Atubo said during a press conference at the Media Centre on Thursday.

Atubo said the UPC party had supported spreading armed insurgency in northern Uganda, but he had opposed rebel activities in Lango.

Atubo also denied helping Lira NRM chairperson Sam Engola to acquire up to 1,000 acres of land in Oyam district.

"These false and malicious allegations have a motive. He wants to discredit me as minister of lands at a time when the country is dealing with the Land Amendment Bill," Atubo said.

"He also wants to incite the people on the issue of land. I have never supported Otto and I campaigned for a Movement candidate against him, this is cheap political revenge," he added.

Atubo said he owns 100 acres of land in Nora area, which he acquired by purchase and gift and has owned it for nearly five years and used it to resettle some of his relatives.