By Mike Rwothomio

The Zombo District Education Department has identified 16 government-aided schools embroiled in significant land disputes with neighboring communities, underscoring the need for collaborative conflict resolution mechanisms to address these land conflicts.

With Zombo’s population surpassing 300,000 according to the 2024 UBOS statistics, rapid demographic growth has intensified pressure on limited land resources, fueling competing claims over land ownership, land use, and access rights. This has escalated land tenure insecurities and disputes.

During a meeting convened by Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC) on April 25, 2025, to address the land dispute involving Oturgang Boys Primary School, District Education Officer Nickolas Odeba highlighted the scale of the issue. 

“RDC, 16 schools in Zombo are grappling with land issues, predominantly Catholic-founded institutions,” Odeba stated, calling for urgent mediation and intervention.

Among the 16 cases, Oturgang Boys Primary School is currently under litigation, while disputes at Awasi and Ajigu Primary Schools remain critical, with the latter recently resolved through negotiation.

Oturgang Boys primary school under Oturgang Mission in Paidha town council, Zombo District, has been battling a land case since 2013.

Silivani Orwinyu, Chairperson of Oturgang Boys’ School Management Committee, appealed for the RDC’s support to facilitate alternative dispute resolution.

Stakeholders advocate for restorative dialogue involving community elders to clarify historical land agreements, particularly those involving land donations to schools and churches.

Zombo’s RDC, Festus Ayikobua, directed school administrations to channel land-related grievances to the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) office for coordinated dispute management. 

“Government institutions like schools are protected by the Attorney General’s office. The DEO should liaise with the CAO to engage legal support,” Ayikobua advised, emphasizing institutional mechanisms for resolution.

Head Teachers Voice Concerns

Alex Susu, Head Teacher of Oturgang Boys Primary, described ongoing land encroachments since 2013, urging immediate action.

Rose Manano, Head Teacher of Oturgang Girls Primary, noted that disputes are demoralizing teachers, disrupting education.

Valentine Owile, Head Teacher of Awasi Primary, recounted a recent violent land grabbing incident, highlighting the tense atmosphere.

The Headteacher of Oturgang boys primary school,Susu Alex, highlights the issue surrounding Oturgang boys primary school land conflicts.

Root Causes of Land Conflicts

Land disputes in Uganda stem from a complex interplay of factors, including high population growth, weak land governance, and a dualist land tenure system combining customary and statutory frameworks.

Overlapping land rights, inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms, land grabbing, corruption, and the legacy of war and displacement exacerbate tensions.

In Zombo, where most land is held under unregistered customary tenure, issues like unclear land boundaries and competing land claims are prevalent.

Emilio Uwonda, Secretary of the LCI Chairpersons Association in Paidha Town Council, accused political leaders of fueling land wrangles involving public institutions.

Stakeholders stress the importance of securing land titles to prevent disputes, noting that younger generations often lack knowledge of historical land transfers to government entities.

Zombo’s Assistant RDC, Bruno Manano, called for a mindset shift to value public institutions, while the Parish Priest of Paidha Catholic Parish advocated for effective dialogue with aggrieved communities to resolve disputes amicably.

Community-Led Initiatives

In 2024, Life Concern, a Zombo-based NGO, launched a four-year project, “Unlocking Citizens’ Land Rights for Peaceful Coexistence,” targeting land dispute resolution in Nyapea, Paidha, Atyak, and Jang Okoro sub-counties.

The initiative employs community dialogue, awareness campaigns, and reconciliation efforts, engaging religious and cultural leaders, police, and the media to mediate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.

The Alur Kingdom, led by His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, has reiterated its commitment to curbing land disputes, cautioning chiefs against perpetuating land grabbing.

Unregistered customary land tenure in Zombo and the West Nile sub-region contributes to challenges like encroachment, unclear land interests, and lack of defined boundaries.

According to the 2024 Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Uganda report, land disputes have risen significantly, with 95% of Ugandans facing legal issues between 2016 and 2020, underscoring the urgent need for robust land dispute resolution frameworks.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa