Kitgum land dispute pits NWSC against district leaders, threatens sh12b urban sanitation project
Anywar says she has already signed an implementation agreement with NWSC, paving the way for a project expected to expand access to clean water and improve urban sanitation across the municipality.
State Minister for Water and Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar
KITGUM - A shillings 12 billion water supply and sanitation project expected to transform Kitgum municipality is likely to face delays due to a contentious land dispute over 6.7 acres of municipal land, according to mayor Richard Okwera Ojara.
The conflict, centred on compensation for the Paibwor site, has pitted local councillors against the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), threatening to derail plans to end chronic water shortages plaguing the town, including the home area of State Minister for Water and Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar.
Anywar says she has already signed an implementation agreement with NWSC, paving the way for a project expected to expand access to clean water and improve urban sanitation across the municipality.
On November 17, 2025, the municipal council convened a full meeting to deliberate on how best to support the project’s rollout.
During the meeting, the town clerk and several councillors argue that legal processes for transferring the identified land to NWSC remain incomplete, raising concerns about whether the project is being rushed before proper documentation is finalised.
The project, set to be launched on December 3, 2025, aims to expand clean water access and improve sanitation for Kitgum’s 100,000 residents, who rely on boreholes and seasonal sources.
NWSC plans include tapping water from the Pager, Aringa, and Aswa rivers, with a capacity to supply six million litres daily. However, the municipality’s refusal to hand over the Paibwor land without compensation has stalled progress.
The disputed land, originally purchased for shillings 20 million using local revenue for waste management, was abandoned after residents protested poor disposal practices.
Councillors, led by municipal speaker Regan Nokrach, insist NWSC must either compensate the municipality, purchase the land, or swap it, a stance mandated by a recent council resolution.
Mayor Richard Okwera Ojara. Courtesy Photo
However, Ojara opposes this, arguing that NWSC, as a government entity, should not pay another public body.
Instead, he proposed a corporate social responsibility (CSR) deal: NWSC would build four VIP waterborne toilets (totalling shillings 300 million) in underserved areas.
Nokrach rejected this, calling it a violation of the council’s land rights.
Ministry weighs in
The local government ministry has directed NWSC to follow lawful land acquisition protocols.
NWSC regional public relations officer Ivan Tekakwo confirmed negotiations are ongoing with senior officials, noting the corporation will purchase the land if required to avoid delays.
Water crisis deepens
Kitgum’s water scarcity crisis is acute. NWSC currently supplies only 1.3 million litres daily, far below the two million litres needed.
Climate change has worsened shortages, particularly in Pandwong division, where Minister Anywar resides, as well as Padol and Oryang Bipong.
NWSC Kitgum area manager Carol Abonyo said solar-powered systems have restored water to Tangiagoro and Alango, and Pandwong. However, the larger project remains critical to address systemic deficits.