By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo: On May 11, 2024, a violent land dispute erupted in Arisi Village, Otheko Parish, Paidha Sub County, Zombo District, when 57 huts were set ablaze following the death of an elderly woman, Beatrice Anewa.

Anewa’s relatives from Kalwang in Nebbi Sub County, Nebbi District, stormed her residence, torching huts in retaliation, claiming she was intentionally killed by her in-laws. This tragic incident left hundreds of people displaced and heightened tensions in the community.

Local authorities, including Paidha Sub County LCIII chairperson William Okethi, attributed the violence to a long-standing land dispute.

This incident adds to a history of fierce land conflicts in Zombo, including the torching of over 200 huts in Aka Sub County last year after the murder of the Zombo Tea Growers Cooperative Union chairperson.

Similarly, more than 10 huts were burned in Jang Okoro Sub County following the murder of two elderly residents, and over 50 huts were torched in Athele Village, Mundel Parish, Nyapea Sub County in 2022 due to land disputes.

The recurring land conflicts in Zombo, where land is held under customary tenure, highlight deep-seated issues within the community. Residents and leaders blame rampant land grabbing, bribery among cultural leaders, and the incompetency of sub-county courts for exacerbating these disputes.

Residents like Kumakech from Mundhel Parish criticize cultural leaders for accepting bribes, while Clan Chief Evaristo Kerunega accuses district leaders of failing to address land issues truthfully.

In response to these challenges, Life Concern (LICO), a non-governmental organization based in Zombo District, has launched a four-year project titled “Unlocking Citizens’ Land Rights for Peaceful Coexistence.”

This initiative aims to address rampant land disputes in Nyapea, Paidha, Atyak, and Jang Okoro sub-counties through community dialogue, awareness campaigns, and reconciliation efforts.

The project will involve religious leaders, cultural leaders, police, opinion leaders, and the media in its efforts to mediate conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions.

LICO’s Executive Director, Kakura Emmy Kizito, emphasized the project’s focus on empowering area land committees to assist underprivileged community members in obtaining land titles. The initiative will also include physical site visits to conflict areas to facilitate dialogue and resolution.

Local leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the project, urging for its swift implementation and broader reach. Clan Chief Evaristo Kerunega highlighted the importance of police involvement, while Aka Sub County land board chairperson Michael Ngamadhe requested the project’s extension to his sub-county, citing numerous unresolved land disputes.

District Community Development Officer Samuel Ocaki cautioned against levying exorbitant fees for land titles, and Zombo LCV chairperson James Oruna Oyullu pledged to collaborate with various organizations to tackle the issue.

John Pascal Wapokra, Minister of Land and Production in the Alur Kingdom, commended the initiative and emphasized the kingdom’s focus on dialogue to resolve land conflicts.

Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III also reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to curbing land disputes and cautioned chiefs against promoting the vice.

The community in Zombo District remains hopeful that LICO’s project will bring long-lasting solutions to the pervasive land disputes and foster peace and stability in the region.