The Monitor (Kampala)
Sam Lawino &cissy Makumbi
3 July 2009
Gulu — Members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) on Wednesday sounded war drums at a press conference in Gulu town, threatening to take up arms in defence of their land if need be.
In a statement, six legislators speaking on behalf of APG, accused State House and some individuals enjoying state backing of trying to grab land in Amuru District. They warned that anybody who would try to push them against the wall (over land) would be provoking war.
"Grabbing Acholi land tantamounts to abrogating the Constitution. It is constitutional to take up arms in defence of the supreme law. That is the option we shall take," Kilak County MP Michael Ocula said.
The development came hours after Gulu Resident Judge Remmy Kasule ruled in favour of the MPs in an application seeking to allow the MPs sue the Amuru District Land Board and some individuals accused of conspiring to grab community land in the district.
APG is currently in court, suing several parties, including the Madhvani Group, the Amuru District Land Board and Maj. Gen. Julius Oketa over alleged acquisition of land through a flawed process.
Nwoya County MP Simon Oyet said they do not intend to overthrow the government but to defend land.
The case will come up for hearing on November 2.
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