Battle for Land: Soroti’s Moru-Apesur Primary School Fights Back Against Land Grabber.
In a David versus Goliath legal battle reminiscent of biblical times, the saga surrounding Moru-Apesur Primary School’s land dispute continues to unfold. Back in 2016, Lawrence Olinga and a coalition of 27 others boldly took Moru-Apesur and Soroti Municipal Council to court, claiming ownership of the school land. However, their hopes were dashed when Justice Henry Peter Adonyo of the Soroti High Court dismissed the case on October 4, 2022, citing the plaintiffs’ status as sitting tenants on the contested land.
But the victory in court hasn’t deterred the onslaught against the school’s land. Recent developments reveal a concerning trend of encroachment, with claims now stretching to a staggering 75 plots, including the school’s playground. Moses Ecuru, chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, raised alarm bells, decrying the connivance of tycoons and certain city council staff in the relentless land-grabbing efforts.
Moru-Apesur Primary School, a beacon of hope for internally displaced children in Teso Sub-region, was established in 1990 by Cuthbert Joseph Obwangor, a former Minister of Justice. Since its inception, the school has served as a sanctuary for those displaced by conflict, hosting victims of insurgency and rebel atrocities, including the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army.
Amidst the turmoil, MP Alobo, affectionately known as “Arrow Girl,” has emerged as a formidable force in the fight against land encroachment. With determination in her voice, she vows to reclaim the stolen land, not only for Moru-Apesur but also for other schools in Soroti City facing similar threats.
As the battle rages on, the fate of Moru-Apesur Primary School hangs in the balance. Will justice prevail, or will greed triumph over the sanctity of education? Only time will tell as the community unites to defend what rightfully belongs to future generations.