UGANDA, Tororo | Real Muloodi News | Efforts to establish a seed secondary school in Tororo District face a significant hurdle due to an ongoing land ownership dispute over the former Nyangole Leprosy Camp land. This proposed site, claimed by 37 families, has become the subject of contention, with the families demanding compensation for their potential eviction.
Situated along Kwapa Road in Angorom West Village, Aputir Parish, Morukatipe Sub County, the 40-acre plot is at the centre of the dispute.
These families assert ancestral ownership of the land for agricultural purposes, arguing that it was never formally designated as government property and has been passed down through generations.
The history of the land traces back to its donation by community members in the early 1960s for use as a leprosy treatment centre, known as the Nyangole Leper Camp.
However, following the epidemic, the land remained abandoned until the claimants utilised it for agricultural activities.
Fabian Papa, one of the claimants, underscores their dependence on the land for their livelihoods and insists on government compensation if relocation becomes necessary.
Another claimant, Constant Omusugu, questions the official size of the land and demands compensation before considering vacating the premises. He alleges exaggeration of the land size by the government.
During a crisis meeting convened by local leaders, Omusugu voices his concerns, stating, “I am not shy to say all those giving the history of this land are biased, and therefore we are saying we shall not leave this land unless the government compensates us because this is the land that our parents handed over to us. Where does the government want us to go?”
However, Morukatipe Sub County LC3 chairperson, Mr Gerald Omaset, maintains the government’s stance, asserting that the land belongs to the government and labelling the occupants as encroachers.
He cites the land’s history as a leprosy treatment centre as evidence of government ownership.
Acknowledging the land’s history, elder Mr James Etuket suggests that the boundaries remain intact, potentially supporting the government’s claim.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nickson Owole clarifies the government’s position, stating that they do not compensate for illegal land occupation.
He proposes humanitarian compensation for crops planted on the land during construction but excludes compensation for the land itself.
He advises occupants to utilise their current harvest earnings to purchase land elsewhere.
In response to the stalemate, the village council is tasked with monitoring the land to prevent further development or sales until a resolution is reached.
However, with both sides standing firm, a solution must be reached before the construction of the seed secondary school can proceed.
Owole advises, “Yes, the constitution protects you, but what you have to understand is that this land belonged to the government. The only advice I am giving you is to harvest the crops and sell them to help you go and buy land elsewhere.”
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