Tensions rise over land dispute between Paracele and Apyetta communities in Lamwo

Authorities in Lamwo district have launched efforts to resolve a land dispute between residents of Paracele and Apyetta villages in Palabek Ogili and Palabek Nyimur sub-counties after allegations of encroachment heightened tensions and raised fears of possible violence.

The dispute pits members of the local community against the family of Samali Odongo, whom residents accuse of encroaching on land they say has traditionally been owned and used by local clans.

Community members allege that access to parts of the disputed land has been restricted, with claims that armed security personnel have been deployed to prevent residents from entering the area.

The allegations have caused anxiety among families who depend on the land for cultivation and grazing.

Obita Michael, a clan leader in Palabek Ogili sub-county, said the dispute has created fear among residents and disrupted normal community activities.

“Our people are worried because they cannot freely use land they have cultivated for many years. We are appealing to the government to intervene and ensure the matter is resolved peacefully,” Obita said.

However, other clan representatives have cautioned against generalising the dispute, noting that not all of the land claimed by residents is contested. They say only a specific portion is under dispute and should be subjected to proper verification by the relevant authorities.

The family of Samali Odongo has denied allegations of land grabbing, maintaining that they are the lawful owners of the disputed land and possess a valid land title covering the property.

In response to the growing tension, Lamwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) William Komakech directed the family to present the land title for verification by the relevant government authorities.

Komakech said the verification process will determine whether the title corresponds with the legally surveyed boundaries and whether it overlaps with land occupied or customarily owned by neighboring communities.

“If investigations establish that the land title is being used to unjustly extend ownership onto land belonging to other residents, appropriate administrative action will be taken,” Komakech said.

He added that if irregularities are established, his office will work with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and other competent authorities to ensure the matter is addressed in accordance with the law, including recommending corrective administrative action where necessary.

The RDC emphasised that no individual should use intimidation or force to assert ownership over disputed land and urged all parties to remain calm as investigations continue.

He further appealed to residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands, saying a peaceful resolution through dialogue and lawful verification remains the best way to safeguard lives and property.

Land disputes remain among the most common sources of conflict in Lamwo district and across the Acholi sub-region, where customary land ownership coexists with registered land titles.

Many communities rely on clan-based tenure systems, while some individuals and families have acquired freehold or leasehold titles over portions of land.

Such disputes frequently intensify during the farming season, when families return to clear and cultivate their gardens.

The increased demand for fertile land often brings unresolved boundary disagreements and competing ownership claims to the surface, leading to conflicts if they are not resolved early.

District leaders have repeatedly encouraged communities to settle land disagreements through clan structures, local councils, the District Land Board, Area Land Committees, and other lawful mechanisms before planting begins.

Local leaders in Palabek Ogili have also appealed to both the Paracele and Apyetta communities to cooperate with the ongoing investigations and allow the verification process to determine the rightful boundaries.

Authorities say restoring calm and ensuring a transparent resolution will be critical in preventing further conflict and protecting the livelihoods of residents who depend on the disputed land for agriculture.