Kitgum RDC Warns Community against Selling Ancestral Land

27 February 2026, 6:24 pm

By Otim Moses

The Office of the Resident District Commissioner has called on residents of Kitgum District to desist from selling land for short-term financial gain.

Speaking during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Ogul–Pii–Peke Abunai Community Access Road in Namokora North Sub-county, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Walter Oyo Komakech, expressed concern over the increasing number of residents selling land to raise money for items such as motorcycles and other personal needs.

Mr. Komakech emphasized that land holds greater long-term value, particularly for agriculture, commercial activities, and the well-being of future generations.

He stressed that communal land, especially ancestral land, should not be sold, as it belongs to the lineage and heritage of the community.

He noted that many land-related cases currently before courts arise from individuals selling family land without the consent of other family members, a practice he said is fueling conflicts and insecurity within communities.

The Deputy RDC urged residents, especially those occupying communal land in areas such as Lipan and Abunai, to utilize their land productively to fight poverty rather than disposing of it for short-term benefits.