Aceng rallies Lira residents to back Anai Airport Project

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has urged Lira residents to support the Milton Obote Airport project in Anai despite a court case filed over land encroachment claims.

Health Minister, also Lira City Woman MP, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng addressing residents about the proposed Milton Obote Airport project in Anai, Lira.

Lira City, Uganda: Health Minister and Lira City Woman MP Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has urged residents in Lira to support the proposed construction of Milton Obote Airport in Anai, despite an ongoing court case filed by community members over alleged land encroachment.

A group of residents has taken the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Lira City Land Board to court, accusing authorities of expanding the land earmarked for the airport project into their private property without proper consultation or compensation.

However, Dr Aceng questioned the motives behind the legal challenge, saying the airport project is intended to unlock economic opportunities for the Lango sub-region.

“This airport is meant to transform our region economically. It will open up Lango to investors, improve connectivity and create opportunities for our people,” Aceng said while addressing residents in Lira City.

She argued that the project should be viewed as a strategic development investment rather than something to oppose.

“We have been lobbying for development projects for many years. Now that government is bringing such a big project here, we should support it instead of blocking it,” she added.

Aceng also referenced the strong political backing the Lango sub-region has historically given to the ruling government, suggesting residents should embrace development projects being implemented in the area.

“The people of Lango overwhelmingly supported the government. When the government brings development, we should receive it with open arms,” she said.

Her remarks have triggered debate among residents and observers, with some arguing that citizens have the right to challenge government actions in court if they believe their property rights are being violated.

Some of the residents involved in the lawsuit say they are not opposed to the airport project but want transparency on land boundaries and fair treatment during land acquisition.

“We are not against the airport,” one resident said. “What we want is transparency. The land that was initially marked for the project has now been extended into our homes and gardens.”

Another resident said the dispute is about protecting livelihoods.

“This land feeds our families. If government wants it for development, the process must be clear and people must be compensated fairly,” the resident added.

Authorities defend airport project

Officials from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority have previously indicated that the proposed airport is part of the government’s broader plan to expand aviation infrastructure across different regions of the country.

The airport, planned for Anai in Lira, is expected to boost regional air connectivity and support trade, tourism and investment in northern Uganda.

The project is named after former President Milton Obote, who hailed from the Lango sub-region.

Development versus land rights

Observers say the dispute highlights a broader challenge facing major infrastructure projects in Uganda, where government development plans sometimes clash with community land ownership.

Land rights advocates argue that while development projects are necessary, authorities must ensure transparency and fairness during land acquisition.

“If communities feel due process has not been followed, they will naturally turn to the courts,” a civil society leader in Lira said.

Court battle continues

The matter is now before court, which will determine whether the process used to acquire land for the airport complied with legal requirements.

Meanwhile, the proposed project continues to divide opinion among residents, with some viewing it as a long-awaited development opportunity and others fearing displacement.

Despite the controversy, Dr Aceng remains optimistic about the project’s long-term impact on the region.

“This airport is not for one person or a few individuals,” she said. “It is for the future of Lango and generations to come.”