By Mike Rwothomio

Police in Nebbi District have initiated a criminal investigation following a series of violent clashes on April 4, 2025, between the Nyipir Primary School community—comprising parents, teachers, and workers—and the neighboring Alenga Upper community.

The unrest, led by Local Council 1 (LC1) Chairperson Mungu Jakisa Robert of Alenga Village, resulted in the arson of 20 grass-thatched homes in Alenga Upper Village, Padolo Parish Dhew Sub-County.

The incident began on April 3, 2025, at approximately 1200 hours, when a group from Alenga Upper, allegedly armed with pangas, assaulted pupils burning grass on school property. 

According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, the attack is linked to a three-year land dispute between the school administration and the Alenga Upper community. 

He added that, the contested land, donated in the 1950s by a Nyipir community elder for a school and church, is now the subject of reclamation efforts by descendants from Alenga Upper Valley/Adolo Parish, who resorted to violent tactics.

Police said in a statement that Later that night, at around 2300 hours, the mob escalated the conflict by setting fire to the grass-thatched home of Mr. Oyungi Bonny, Chairman of the School Management Committee, located 1 kilometer from the school.

In a retaliatory strike, Nyipir community members, primarily parents, attacked Alenga Upper Village at 0800 hours on April 4, burning 19 additional homes.

SP Asea confirmed the incidents, noting that a prior court ruling three years ago upheld the school’s ownership as a government institution.

A police team, led by the District Police Commander (DPC) Nebbi, has secured the area with a robust deployment, bringing the situation under control.

No fatalities have been reported, though unspecified household property damage was sustained.

Authorities are urging both parties to pursue dialogue rather than further violence as the investigation continues.

The case remains under active inquiry, with police emphasizing de-escalation and legal resolution.