Political analyst Ochole, NRM admin accused of altering boundaries of two Soroti villages

By John Ogulei

Soroti – 26, October 2021: Senior political analyst who also doubles as the Councilor for Abia Sub county in Amuria district, Moses Ochole and former NRM party administrator, George William Okwaput, have been accused by residents of Ajikidak and Onyakai villages of forcefully trying to grab wetland, land and messing up with the boundaries.

In a meeting that was called by the two area Local Council One Chairpersons of Ajikidak and Onyakai, the residents accused Ochole and Okwaput of trying to use their powers and political influence to mess with the existing boundaries for their own selfish gain.

Ochole has purchased one hectare of land in Onyakai village next to a swamp/wetland. He is accused of crossing and removing boundary marks, interfering with the ecosystem, among others.

William Eibu, one of the area residents whose land has also been encroached by Ochole accuses both leaders of trying to use force to grab his land.

He said whereas Ochole bought one hectare of land from Eragu, Ochole has on several occasions tried to cross the boundaries, claiming that he is too connected and even if he (Eibu) reports to any office he can’t succeed.

He also says Ochole is using the office of the District Planner, Environment Officer and Physical Planner to overpower the local people.

Joshua Okaa, Secretary of Ikeratok clan, in his submission accused Ochole of threatening him in a phone conversation while vowing to blackmail all people who are against him.

“Ochole asked me to take a bribe of shs500,000 to survive being blackmailed,” he alleged.

Charles Etiau, the LCI of Ajikidak wondered why a person who bought one hectare of land is trying to mess-up with the boundaries.

“Ochole is not a born of this place and he is just power ambitious. He thinks that by becoming the LCV councilor he is so powerful now,” said Etiau.

Haruna Eriau is the Chairperson of Onyakai village who also accused Ochole of trying to use powerful people to scare the ordinary people.

“They came here on Saturday with big people to scare us. It’s true he bought his land and we can’t stop him from using his land but what he is doing to grab another portion is bad. We shall not as the community allow him to mess the two villages. He bought land in my village but he is now encroaching another village,” he said.

Paul Omer is the Soroti City East Mayor. Omer called for calmness amongst area residents and promised to meet with Ochole and Okwaput to discuss the matter at length.

But Ochole, in his response when reached for a comment told our reporter that the story was untrue, saying the community shouldn’t think he is foolish.