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Emotions run high as Uganda Land Commission mediates Soroti city disputes
Commissioner Kasenge said attempts to reach an immediate settlement between the parties were unsuccessful, adding that further engagement would be required before a resolution could be reached.
Residents led by Allan Opolot and 81-year-old Stephen Enokikin rejected Oyata’s claim, insisting that their families possess legitimate ownership documents dating back several decades. (Photo by Felix Osujo)
By: Felix Osujo, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda Land Commission (ULC) has intensified efforts to resolve a series of longstanding land disputes in Soroti city, with cultural institutions, private sector organisations and residents seeking intervention over contested properties.
During a stakeholder engagement in Soroti city, the proceedings took an emotional turn when Iteso Cultural Union founder, Pumprus Imodot, broke down while addressing commissioners over a disputed piece of cultural land in Kichinjaji ward.
Imodot told the commission that despite submitting ownership documents to several government offices, he has not received a satisfactory response. He expressed concern that construction activities are continuing on the disputed land while the matter remains unresolved.
The meeting was attended by ULC commissioners Tom Kasenge and Christine Amongin Aporu, Soroti city leaders, and representatives from the aviation sector, who explained how they believe the land was legally allocated.
The commission later moved to the Yellow Flats area in Soroti city’s Western division to mediate another dispute involving 10 families and a claimant, Samuel Oyata, over ownership of Plot 25.
Commissioner Kasenge said attempts to reach an immediate settlement between the parties were unsuccessful, adding that further engagement would be required before a resolution could be reached.
Residents led by Allan Opolot and 81-year-old Stephen Enokikin rejected Oyata’s claim, insisting that their families possess legitimate ownership documents dating back several decades.
However, Oyata maintained that the plot was legally allocated to him through the district land board with the recommendation of the former Soroti Municipal Council.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Stephen Enokikin said they remain confident in their ownership documents and believe the truth will prevail.
The commission later moved to the Yellow Flats area in Soroti city’s Western division to mediate another dispute involving 10 families and a claimant, Samuel Oyata, over ownership of Plot 25.
Commissioner Kasenge said attempts to reach an immediate settlement between the parties were unsuccessful, adding that further engagement would be required before a resolution could be reached.
Residents led by Allan Opolot and 81-year-old Stephen Enokikin rejected Oyata’s claim, insisting that their families possess legitimate ownership documents dating back several decades.
However, Oyata maintained that the plot was legally allocated to him through the district land board with the recommendation of the former Soroti Municipal Council.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Stephen Enokikin said they remain confident in their ownership documents and believe the truth will prevail.
Meanwhile, the commission also mediated a separate dispute involving property occupied by the Teso Private Sector Development Centre in Soroti city.
The contested property has attracted competing claims from the Teso Private Sector Development Centre and two individuals, Francis Omoding and George William Okwaput, who were granted a lease extension offer by the Uganda Land Commission.
During a stakeholders’ meeting attended by Soroti city mayor Francis Esudu, Soroti District Land Board chairperson Jorem Opian Obicho, opinion leaders and commission officials, Teso Private Sector chief executive officer Soyce Malinga challenged the lease offer, alleging that Omoding had a conflict of interest because he processed ownership documents while serving as treasurer of the institution’s Board of Governors.
Kasenge explained that the matter remains before the commission following applications by Omoding and Okwaput for lease extension on the property.
The discussions prompted strong reactions from stakeholders. Benson Ekue, director of Public Affairs Centre Uganda, urged the commission to revoke the lease offer granted to Omoding and Okwaput.
Ninety-five-year-old elder Mzee Amuriat appealed to the commission to reconsider its decision, arguing that the property has historically served various community and business organisations, including Teso African Traders, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and later the Teso Private Sector Development Centre.
Following extensive deliberations, a majority of stakeholders voted in favour of recommending that the commission cancel the lease offer granted to Omoding and Okwaput and instead consider the application submitted by the Teso Private Sector Development Centre.
Commissioner Christine Amongin Aporu acknowledged concerns raised during the meeting and explained that the commission had identified procedural issues surrounding the lease allocation process that require further review.
Despite the recommendations, Okwaput rejected the resolutions reached during the engagement, insisting that all legal procedures were followed in obtaining the lease offer. He warned that any attempts to reverse the decision could result in court action and potential compensation claims exceeding Shs8 billion.
Aporu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, noting that the Uganda Land Commission will continue engaging all affected parties to find lasting solutions to the land conflicts affecting Soroti city.
The engagements underscore the growing challenge of land ownership disputes in Soroti city, where competing claims involving cultural institutions, private entities and residents continue to fuel tensions over valuable urban land.
The contested property has attracted competing claims from the Teso Private Sector Development Centre and two individuals, Francis Omoding and George William Okwaput, who were granted a lease extension offer by the Uganda Land Commission.
During a stakeholders’ meeting attended by Soroti city mayor Francis Esudu, Soroti District Land Board chairperson Jorem Opian Obicho, opinion leaders and commission officials, Teso Private Sector chief executive officer Soyce Malinga challenged the lease offer, alleging that Omoding had a conflict of interest because he processed ownership documents while serving as treasurer of the institution’s Board of Governors.
Kasenge explained that the matter remains before the commission following applications by Omoding and Okwaput for lease extension on the property.
The discussions prompted strong reactions from stakeholders. Benson Ekue, director of Public Affairs Centre Uganda, urged the commission to revoke the lease offer granted to Omoding and Okwaput.
Ninety-five-year-old elder Mzee Amuriat appealed to the commission to reconsider its decision, arguing that the property has historically served various community and business organisations, including Teso African Traders, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and later the Teso Private Sector Development Centre.
Following extensive deliberations, a majority of stakeholders voted in favour of recommending that the commission cancel the lease offer granted to Omoding and Okwaput and instead consider the application submitted by the Teso Private Sector Development Centre.
Commissioner Christine Amongin Aporu acknowledged concerns raised during the meeting and explained that the commission had identified procedural issues surrounding the lease allocation process that require further review.
Despite the recommendations, Okwaput rejected the resolutions reached during the engagement, insisting that all legal procedures were followed in obtaining the lease offer. He warned that any attempts to reverse the decision could result in court action and potential compensation claims exceeding Shs8 billion.
Aporu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, noting that the Uganda Land Commission will continue engaging all affected parties to find lasting solutions to the land conflicts affecting Soroti city.
The engagements underscore the growing challenge of land ownership disputes in Soroti city, where competing claims involving cultural institutions, private entities and residents continue to fuel tensions over valuable urban land.