BY OUR REPORTER
Katakwi–July 1, 2026: Residents of Okore Sub-county in Katakwi District are demanding answers over nearly 5,000 hectares of land they say has belonged to clans for generations, as a court case drags on without resolution.
The disputed land, about 4,987.5530 hectares, is now at the centre of one of Katakwi’s most contentious land conflicts.
Across more than 25 villages in Okore, community members are questioning how communal customary land allegedly ended up registered in the name of an individual.
“Our leaders should not remain silent,” several residents said. “People are living in fear. We want leaders to explain what happened and stand with the community while the courts determine the case.”
Residents say they respect the judicial process but fear prolonged litigation could take years, leaving thousands uncertain about their future on ancestral land.
Attention has turned to elected leaders. Residents say they expect Members of Parliament, district officials, and cultural leaders to seek clarification from government institutions and keep communities informed.
Some expressed disappointment that several MPs and influential leaders have not commented publicly. They argue that leaders can advocate for transparency and protection of community interests without interfering with court proceedings.
Community elders maintain the land has historically been held under customary clan ownership. They say any change of ownership should have involved broad community consultation and consent.
The dispute traces back to years of insecurity caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency and Karamojong cattle raids, when many families fled and returned to find competing claims.
Okore LCII Chairperson Emmanuel Akorimo alleged that a 2012 survey involving Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] officials and two individuals was done without informing residents. He said the survey later formed the basis of a lease processed in February 2019.
Others familiar with the transaction maintain the lease followed legal procedures through the relevant institutions.
Area LCI Chairperson Aukin Benasio insists the land belongs to the community, noting that local council elections have been held there for years and village records list it as part of Okore.
Katakwi LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo acknowledged public concern, saying most processes around the sale and titling were completed before the current district leadership took office in 2021.
While declining to comment on matters before court, Omolo questioned how such a large tract could have changed hands under circumstances that attract public concern. He urged residents to remain peaceful as the judicial process continues.
For many families in Okore, the issue goes beyond documents. “It is about protecting ancestral land, preserving community heritage and ensuring future generations are not deprived of land they have always regarded as their own,” one elder said.
As legal proceedings continue, residents insist leadership must not stay distant. They are calling for clear communication, transparency, and practical steps to resolve the dispute.
“ Residents of Okore, Katakwi, want answers over 4,987 hectares of customary land allegedly titled to an individual. They fear court delays and want MPs and district leaders to act“
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