Residents of Okore and Ngariam sub-counties in Ngariam County, Katakwi District have called on the Government of Uganda, through the Parliamentary Land Committee, to intervene in a long-standing land conflict that continues to destabilize the area.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during the burial of Mary Amulet, a 66-year-old mother of Francis Angiro (commonly known as Iboyan), held in Adugulu Village, Apakwi Parish, Okore Sub-county.
Community members expressed frustration over what they described as political manipulation of the land issue during the 2020–2021 election period. They claimed that certain leaders repeatedly circulated letters downplaying the severity of the land conflict, while in reality, they were using the situation for personal political gain.
“We have come to realize that some of our leaders only come to us when they need votes, not to represent our interests,” said one of the residents.
According to documents presented by the team of State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, during the 2021 elections, the land court cases involving Okore and Ngariam sub-counties, linked to individuals including Kevin Imede, John Akubal, and Emmanuel Akubu, were reportedly resolved. However, community members insist the conflict is far from over.
Charles Ikabat, the LC3 Chairperson of Okore Sub-county, stated that despite past court rulings, the land remains in the hands of Imede and his associates. He urged district and national leaders to step in and help the community reclaim their land.
Jane Christine Adeke, LC3 Councilor, attributed the crisis to “greedy leaders who prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the people.” She noted that the land conflict dates back to 2009, with the title deed for the disputed land only being issued in 2021, after the elections.
Meanwhile, Daniel Mulalu, described as a “darling and the only hope for Ngariam County,” called on residents to unite for the betterment of the district and the nation.
“I have come to restore the lost hope of Ngariam. I want to ensure that all people in this county benefit from available opportunities,” Mulalu said.
Counsel Raymond Odeke, personal assistant to the Vice President and Vice Chairman of NRM for Katakwi District, represented the chief mourner at the burial. He commended the people of Ngariam for their generosity towards the Angiro family and praised the district for holding peaceful NRM structural elections. He encouraged continued unity ahead of the 2025–2026 election season.
Odeke also criticized local leadership for failing to address community issues effectively.
“The real problem in Katakwi is not the land, it’s the leaders who lack vision and motivation for the community,” he said. “We must start telling people the truth, not wait until elections to start spreading lies. That approach helps no one.”
He added that the Vice President encourages residents to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) to fight poverty and improve livelihoods in the district.
