By KT Reporter
Magoro Sub-County residents have petitioned the Vice President over the disputed Angisa land in Katakwi District.
The contested 300 square Kilometer piece of land borders Karamoja and Teso sub-regions. Uganda Wildlife Authority contends that the contested land is part of the Pian-Upe game reserve, while the residents, on the other hand, claim they inherited the land from their forefathers. It comprises 10 villages, 541 households, and a population of approximately 2,918 people.
In 2021, President Museveni wrote a letter directing the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Attorney General, and State Minister for Teso Affairs to consult with the people of Katakwi and persuade them to pursue the option of compensation.
However, residents have expressed interest in their land, claiming that it is customary land and that the government should not consider compensation but instead give them their land.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Chairperson of Katakwi, read the petition on behalf of LC III Magoro Sub County, in which the people emphasized the significance of President Museveni intervening and directing UWA to enable them to live on their customary land.
Residents also petitioned to free up restricted territory for farming and grazing animals. Other issues highlighted in the petition include repairing the Angisa road, building a community school in Angisa, and purchasing the Kamenu Ferry.
Patrick Eria Emongot and Stella Aguti urged the government to intervene and resolve the land dispute peacefully.
The petition by the Magoro residents is seeking government resolve the land contention amicably first by engaging the 100 people in a meeting to ascertain the background of the land among other key issues.
Alupo, while responding to the petition, assured the residents that she would inform President Museveni of the matter. She further promised to arrange a meeting between the President and 100 elders from Katakwi to discuss the land dispute-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
