Lira City, Uganda – Lira City West Division Speaker Daniel Okello has been granted bail today February 6, 2025 by the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Lira after being accused of inciting violence against city officials.
Presiding over the session, Chief Magistrate Joe Fay Adoko adjourned the case to March 13, 2025, allowing both parties more time to prepare.
Okello, together with Lira City Female Workers Representative Sarah Awor Angweri, who were arrested on December 17, 2024, at Adyel Children’s Park, revealed that his health deteriorated significantly while in police custody.
He was first admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital before being transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
He was discharged on January 21, 2025, but continues to undergo medical reviews every month.
Addressing the press at Space Lounge after his court appearance, Okello stated, “I won’t speak much about the case since the law prohibits discussing ongoing matters, but I am slowly recovering. I appreciate the prayers and support.”
Okello, a vocal critic of city leadership, accused officials of widespread corruption, citing findings from the recent presidential zonal tour that placed the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) at only 18% in Lango.
He slammed Lira City leadership for allegedly misleading President Yoweri Museveni by reporting inflated PDM success rates.
“The leadership of Lira City is rotten. Corruption is at 99%. It is shameful that PDM is failing in Lango while leaders claim otherwise,” Okello asserted.
Awor, who also faces multiple court cases, accused city officials of suppressing whistleblowers.
She cited an incident involving the Lira City Mayor’s Garden project, where she claims to have caught officials secretly awarding contracts in an undisclosed location.
“I found them live handing over the contract in secrecy. This is why they are targeting me, but I will not stop exposing corruption,” Awor declared.
She further accused certain politicians of hijacking government projects and presenting them as personal initiatives, depriving the rightful beneficiaries of development funds.
The Chief Magistrate Joe Fay Adoko asserted that granting bail to Okello is a constitutional right.
The magistrate postponed the hearing to March 20, 2025, following a request from Okello’s legal team, citing his ongoing medical condition.
Okello and Awor have vowed to continue their fight against corruption, despite facing political and legal challenges.
Okello used the moment to rally voter support in the upcoming elections, presenting himself as a defender of accountability.
“This is a do-or-die fight. We will not give up,” Awor affirmed.
The case has sparked public outrage in Lira City, with residents expressing frustration over poor service delivery.
With the next hearing set for March 20, 2025, the legal and political battle is far from over, and all eyes remain on how the city leadership responds to these serious allegations.
