UCAA and Lira Residents Clash Over Land for Proposed International Airport

A significant land dispute has emerged in Lira over the proposed international airport, pitting the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) against residents of Anai. The conflict centers on accusations that UCAA has fraudulently obtained a land title that overlaps with existing private property titles held by at least 26 community members.

The controversy dates back to the 1960s when land in Anai was gazetted for an airport. Tensions flared in October 2024 when UCAA reportedly demarcated land and conducted drone surveys, raising suspicions among residents. A lawsuit was filed in March 2026 by 68 residents against UCAA and the Lira City Land Board, seeking to halt the alleged encroachment.

The residents claim the UCAA title extends beyond the designated airport land, encroaching into private parcels and even crossing into neighboring Kole District. An independent survey reportedly found the UCAA title overlapping a highway reserve, raising questions about its legality. The High Court has directed the parties to engage in mediation, with a report due in September.

While authorities emphasize the economic benefits of the airport for the Lango region, residents are not opposing the project itself. Their grievance lies with the expansion of the original boundary, the process of land acquisition, and a perceived lack of consultation and fair compensation. Local business leaders broadly support the airport but urge transparency and fairness in resolving land and compensation issues, emphasizing the need for community confidence in the project.

This dispute highlights the delicate balance between large-scale development projects and the protection of individual land rights and community engagement. The outcome of the mediation will be crucial in determining the future of the Lira international airport and its impact on local landowners.