Aringa South Member of Parliament, Alioni Yorke Odria is involved in a land-grabbing scandal in Yumbe District that has left more than 59 households and over 500 residents stranded.
The communal land in question that sits on 360 acres is located in Ochinga village, Ariwa Sub-county in Yumbe.
On Tuesday, 03 March 2026, agitated locals marched to Yumbe District headquarters to protest their illegal eviction by Hon. Odria who claims rightful owner of the said communal land.
The locals, most of whom were in their old age wept before Yumbe district leaders who told our reporter that the MP had arrogantly promised to ‘deal’ with anyone who attempts to stop him.
It is alleged that around July 2025, Odria bribed a few elders and forcefully bought the land without the consensus from the locals. He duped the elders, saying he would compensate and relocate the over 59 households. Apparently, the said land is rich in gold deposits.
In early February, locals were taken aback when Odria stormed the village with armed bodyguards and ordered their eviction, while threatening to arrest whoever refused to comply.
Indeed, when the sub-county chief, Ajuga Kabaka attempted to stop his illegal eviction, Odria ordered his arrest. He was later charged and remanded at Arua Prisons until 30th March 2026.
“He is very arrogant and boasts of having connections in government. He attempted to force the sub-county chief to sign the documents so that he would proceed to survey the land, but when he refused, he threw him in jail,” a local leader said.
The protesting locals turned up with placards with messages that strongly condemned Odria’s actions.
“Hon. Alioni Odria Yorke-MP Aringa South is a land grabber,” read one of the placards.
Another read, “Odria, NRM is not greedy like you” while another said, “God is watching you, Odria.”
Some of the placards demanded the release of their sub-county chief.
“We demand for Rule of Law. Please release our sub-county chief. He is protecting the vulnerable families,” a message on the placard read.
Odria is the brother-in-law to the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong and Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, the UPDF Reserve Force Commander. Gen Otema marries Odria’s sister.
Recently, Odria declared his Speakership bid to unseat the incumbent, Speaker Anita Among.
However, this land-grabbing scandal leaves his candidacy in total jeopardy as many hoped to see the legislator lead by example by protecting the rights of the less privileged and their property, rather than using his position to grab their land.
