Billionaires in the making’: Lira’s idle heirs living off parents’ wealth

Lira City is sheltering a peculiar breed of youngsters, calling themselves "Billionaires in the Making". They are the sons and daughters of the wealthy, living life as if there is no tomorrow.

Their ugly dream is: "One day, it will all be mine." These people are convinced that they are actually entitled to their parents' riches, simply by birthright.

Members of the underprivileged households are concerned that children of the wealthy always parade their privileged status, treating others with disregard. Also, their days are filled with lavish spending, nights out, and endless parties. But beneath the surface, a disturbing trend emerges.

Francis Olila, a teacher, says: “Many of these ‘Billionaires in the Making’ are idle, and unproductive.”

According to him, they live off their parents' wealth, never lifting a finger to contribute. Some even resort to manipulating or quickening their parents' demise, eager to get their hands on the inheritance.

Sam Omara, a boda boda rider, agrees: “Those people who call themselves ‘billionaires in the making’ they respect no one, are so consumed by greed, and they forget the value of hard work and kindness."

Ms Sharon Oyite, a tailor, says: “Their arrogance and entitlement have made them notorious in Lira City. From drunk driving to exploiting vulnerable individuals.

But the "Billionaires in the Making" are seemingly untouchable, and accountable to no one.

But what's the cost of raising a generation of entitled, unproductive individuals? Will they ever learn the value of hard work, empathy, and genuine success? Or will they succumb to the emptiness of their ugly dream?

Human cost

Sadly, the cost of being unproductive is too heavy. For instance, on November 21, 2023, a prominent Lira City-based businessman shot his son after the victim reportedly demanded money from him.

Hajji Joe Ogwang, 56, a resident of Ireda Estate in Lira City East Division, allegedly shot Aron Okello when a dispute over money escalated, resulting in a fatal confrontation between them.

Okello was rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital with bullet wounds but was pronounced dead on arrival.

No sooner had the father committed the crime along Aduku Road, Lira City, than he turned himself over to police at Lira Central Police Station.

The firearm, along with ammunition, was recovered by the police, according to North Kyoga regional police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Patrick Jimmy Okema.

The matter ended up in court where the father was charged with manslaughter, remanded to Lira Central Prison but was later released. However, this particular case died a natural death and it was buried.

In another shocking case that shook Lira City, a man named Isaac Okello was sentenced to prison for orchestrating the murder of his father, renowned businessman Alex Epet.

The gruesome crime came to light on December 20, 2016, when Epet's body was discovered in a septic tank at their home in the present day Lira City East Division.

The son confessed to killing his father and dumping the body in the septic tank. He claimed he was acting on his mother's instructions.

The case highlights the darker side of human nature and the devastating consequences of greed and betrayal.

In March 2012, police arrested eight people in connection with the murder of Lira businessman Tony Engola.

He was found dead in his pickup truck at a broken bridge in Kicope Cell, in the present day Lira City West Division.

Surprisingly, most of the suspects were the deceased’s family members. Police said they recovered blood stained clothes from some of the suspects after searching their homes.

The deceased’s body had deep cuts around the jaws and he had been stabbed several times around the neck and chest with a knife, according to police.

How 'Billionaires in the Making' look at themselves.

Lagum (not real name), a lecturer at Lira City-based All Saints University, Lango (ASUL), displays confidence, bordering on arrogance.

As the only child of a wealthy family, he sees himself as a billionaire in the making. His ICT expertise and academic credentials seem to fuel his sense of entitlement.

"I’m the only child in my family. I earn a salary every month but I don't need to save. My dad's wealth is my future. I'm just enjoying life while I wait," says Lagum.

However, his attitude has surprised many, given his privileged upbringing and influential family. He respects no one, answering to himself alone.