In a powerful display of unity and traditional authority, the cultural leaders of the Lango and Kumam people have finally stepped in to resolve a long standing and bitter conflict over more than six hundred acres of vital wetland. This landmark decision, delivered by Kumam leader John Bosco Ekalu Ekwasu and Lango Clan Chiefs Association head Sarafin Awany, marks a turning point for the community of Acii and Namasale sub counties. For too long, this precious natural resource was a site of greed and division, but through the intervention of these respected elders, justice has finally been served for the common citizen.
The resolution comes after a rigorous six week investigation, which included a direct visit to the disputed territory to see the reality on the ground. The elders gathered at Alwala in Acii Sub county to deliver their verdict in front of a wide array of stakeholders, including the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, law enforcement, and environmental experts. The message was clear: the land belongs to the community and the environment, not to those who seek to profit from its destruction.
The roots of the conflict trace back to a group of concerned citizens, including Aloka Bonny and his associates, who blew the whistle on the family of Elalu Deons. They alleged that the family had not only moved onto the wetland illegally but had begun selling and hiring out the land to outsiders. This selfish encroachment stripped the local population of their communal rights, blocking cattle paths and destroying a natural ecosystem that has served the region for generations.
The findings of the clan leaders were both profound and undeniable. After verifying the historical use of the land, they confirmed that the vast stretch of territory reaching from Olyaka to Lake Kyoga is a natural water runway that has existed for decades. Historically, our ancestors understood the value of this land, using it strictly for grazing cattle rather than destructive cultivation. The investigation revealed a disturbing trend of modern encroachers clearing the bush, fighting over plots, and treating a communal waterway as private property.
While the matter has languished in the court system for seven years without a clear resolution, the cultural leaders have now provided the moral and social clarity needed to move forward. Local officials admitted that previous attempts to protect the land failed due to a lack of enforcement. However, the tide is turning. Inspector of Police George Alado has issued a stern warning that any further encroachment or violence will result in immediate arrest and prosecution. Simultaneously, the district forestry office is preparing to physically mark the boundaries to ensure the wetland is protected under the laws of Uganda.
The final resolution is a victory for every resident of Amolatar. The clan leaders have ordered all encroachers to immediately retreat to their original land boundaries and cease all farming and construction within the swampy areas. By restoring the cattle paths and reopening the water runways, the community is reclaiming its heritage. This is a call to action for the District local government to enforce these boundaries without delay, ensuring that this 600 acre treasure remains a source of life and livelihood for everyone, rather than a profit center for a few. Truth has spoken, and the land is finally returning to the hands of the people.