Napak RDC Milton Odongo Wins Praise for Firm Stance on Land Protection.
By Our Reporter
Napak–Karamoja: In a decisive show of leadership, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Napak, Mr. Milton Odongo, has moved to restore public confidence in government, assuring residents that long-standing land conflicts and service delivery gaps will be conclusively addressed.
Mr. Odongo made the assurance during a well-attended community Baraza held on September 25, 2026, in Apeitolim Sub-County, organized by the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC) in partnership with Napak District Local Government to improve accountability and service delivery.
The Baraza, which drew hundreds of residents, local leaders and civil society actors, provided a platform for citizens to directly engage their leaders on issues affecting them.
Taking centre stage, the RDC firmly assured the people of Napak that he would personally follow up on all the issues raised, particularly the volatile land conflicts pitting Napak against neighbouring Abim and Kapelebyong districts, which have for years threatened peace and livelihoods.
In a strong directive that was welcomed with applause, Mr. Odongo tasked Local Council I chairpersons to be vigilant and protect Napak land from encroachment and illegal transactions.
He further put sub-county officials and area land committees on notice, directing that all investors must be referred to the district authorities to follow the lawful procedures and protocols, a move aimed at curbing land grabbing disguised as investment.
“The land of Napak belongs to the people of Napak. No one should transact land without following the law. All investors must go through the district,” Mr. Odongo emphasized.
His intervention comes at a time when residents have been demanding a lasting solution to the cross-district land disputes. Community members called for a cross-district dialogue bringing together Napak, Abim and Kapelebyong to confront the root causes of the conflict.
Residents also used the Baraza to raise other pressing service delivery concerns, including the alleged mishandling of the Parish Development Model (PDM) by some parish chiefs, learners being sent home over unpaid school fees, inadequate access to clean and safe water in Apeitolim, and delayed payment for NIRA field teams handling national identity cards.
The Acting Executive Director of KACC, Ms. Amina Lowakori, lauded the RDC’s hands-on approach and encouraged community members to report corruption cases to the KACC office, stressing that community participation is key to accountability.
However, it was Mr. Milton Odongo’s firm, pro-people stance on land and his commitment to follow up on every concern that dominated the Baraza, with many residents saying his leadership is restoring hope that government is listening.
Local leaders like Apaluteng and several LC1 Chairpersons described the RDC as a results-oriented leader who has chosen to be on the side of the ordinary people of Napak in protecting their most valuable asset — land.
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