Katakwi, (UG):- The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Katakwi District on Friday remanded to prison one Martin Aleli, the District physical planner over allegations of fraudulent land transactions.
Aleli appeared before Magistrate Agnes Abalo who read to him the charges although he pleaded not guilty to any of the offences accused against him.
According to the charge sheet presented before court on Friday, Aleli is accused of fraudulently demarcating land from 2010 to 2024 into sections of; Plot 132 Block 3, plot 48 on Block 3, and Plot 100 on Block 3.
The district planner is also accused of failing to provide proper planning for plot 132 block 3 during the same period within Katakwi town.
Mr George Engena, the resident State Attorney in Katakwi objected to Aleli’s request to be granted bail saying investigations into the matter are still ongoing and expressed fears that the accused once granted bail, would jeopardize the investigations.
“Having the accused in custody is essential as the office is considered a crime scene and investigating officers are actively going through necessary documents,” he stated.
The magistrate on hearing the submission by the State Attorney, remanded Mr Aleli until February 26, 2024, when he will return to court for further mention.
Mr Aleli’s lawyer (Mr Onyait) said that the charges are speculative, adding that there are no corruption-related charges in the file so far.
However, the Katakwi Resident District Commission Rtd Maj Godfrey Katamba, said that Aleli was involved in the fraudulent sale of 12 acres of NARO land, as well as 1000 acres of Olilim land and over 12000 hectares of government land in Okore.
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