By Eumu Emmanuel
Alebtong, Uganda – Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Mathias Lutwama has ordered the reinstatement of families previously evicted from land in Alela village, Omee Parish, Amugu Sub-county, Alebtong District, following an official site visit on April 25, 2025 to resolve a longstanding land dispute.
Together with the Assistant RDC and the Chairperson LIII of Amugu Sub-county, Lutwama led a comprehensive inspection of the disputed 80 acres, aiming to address two key issues: whether the land in question belonged solely to the Tom Ocen family under the 1954 communal land arrangements and whether the absence of formal land documentation justified customary ownership.
The team first toured the initial 40-acres portion, where it was determined that the area is a wetland protected under the Environmental Act of 2019.
Authorities emphasized that neither the accused nor the petitioners could legally construct permanent structures in the wetland.
However, residents were permitted to graze animals and collect water for domestic use in accordance with the principles of public trust.
The delegation later toured the second 40-acre stretch comprising dry land.
After listening to detailed testimonies, particularly from elders, the team ruled that this section is communal land, supported by both historical narratives and legal guidance under the Land Act, Cap 227.
Deputy RDC Lutwama directed the Area Land Committees, in coordination with local leaders and residents, to fast-track the acquisition of a Certificate of Communal Ownership for the dry land, aiming to prevent future disputes.
Quoting the February 2022 presidential directive on land matters, Lutwama stated, “Pressing on the guidance of His Excellency, I have ordered all the 50 families that had been evicted by the Tom Ocen family to return and stay on the land, in harmony, peace and love.”
He stressed the importance of rebuilding social cohesion and urged all sides to embrace peaceful coexistence.
Officials underscored that no individual or family should claim private ownership of communal land without following legal procedures.
They also pledged to closely monitor activities on the land to ensure compliance with environmental conservation laws and land use regulations.
The move has been widely welcomed by residents, who praised the district leadership for a fair and transparent resolution process.
Local leaders hailed the intervention as a model for addressing land conflicts that continue to affect rural communities across Lango Sub-region and beyond.