Gov’t, rights defender clash over land in Serere

Summary:

• A 150-acre land dispute in Kasilo Village, Serere District involves Mr. Moses Omiat, affirmed as the owner by Soroti High Court. Despite the court’s decision, district officials allegedly deny Omiat access, leading to trespassing and property damage.

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In the ongoing struggle for a 150-acre parcel of land in Kasilo Village, Kamod Parish, Serere District, the government and human rights defenders are in conflict. The focal point of the dispute is Mr. Moses Omiat, the recognized landowner, who claims ongoing denial of access and trespassing by high-ranking district officials, resulting in tree destruction and assaults on his community.

As of June 2022, Judge Henry Adonyo of Soroti High Court had affirmed Mr. Omiat as the rightful owner of the contested land, a claim contested by the Serere District local government. The legal battle took a new twist when Soroti High Court Registrar, Mr. Hussein Nasulu Ntalo, sternly warned against trespassing on the disputed property last Thursday.

During a court session, Registrar Ntalo stressed that respondents, including Serere District Local Government and four individuals, were in contempt of court orders by engaging in activities such as cutting trees, making bricks, and accessing the decreed land. Disobeying these orders is considered a criminal offense in Uganda, carrying the potential for arrest and imprisonment.

The court specifically singled out four respondents – Mr. Joseph Atingu, Mr. Stephen Ejanyu, Mr. Sostine Okoja, and Mr. Calvin Olinga – in its warning. Registrar Ntalo held them accountable for any destruction and loss of property on the land resulting from their actions.

Mr. Alex Musisi, a lawyer representing Mr. Moses Omiat, disclosed that the trespassers had invaded the land multiple times, cutting down various tree species and engaging in activities like charcoal burning and brick making. Additionally, they reportedly attacked and harmed Mr. Omiat’s relatives residing on the same land.

The legal representative issued a strong warning, stating that if any harm befell Mr. Omiat or his relatives, the encroachers would be held responsible. The situation escalated when, despite the court’s decision in June 2022, top district officials allegedly continued to deny Mr. Omiat access to his land.

Justice Adonyo’s decision not only confirmed Mr. Omiat’s ownership but also imposed a fine of Shs320m on Serere District Local Government for the destruction of trees on the disputed land. Nevertheless, the dispute persists, with Mr. Omiat accusing district officials of facilitating trespassers involved in timber cutting, charcoal burning, brick making, and even hosting a weekly market on his land.

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