Lango cultural leaders push for greater role in customary land disputes

6 May 2026, 3:32 pm

By Winnie Auma

A section of cultural leaders in the Lango sub-region is calling for courts of law to allow them to take a leading role in handling disputes involving customary land.Dickens Wasio Olak, the clan head of Adyegi, said many people have lost their land due to court processes, which he believes often disadvantage local communities.

He urged residents to register their customary land to reduce conflicts and prevent illegal land sales, noting that the registration process ensures all family members are recognized.

Charles Omara, the clan chief of Atek Alunga Dolo, expressed concern over the rising number of land wrangles. He alleged that some individuals manipulate court processes by hiring lawyers and bribing witnesses, which he says has led to unfair rulings.

Omara added that the stress and trauma from such cases have, in some instances, resulted in deaths among affected families. He insists that clan leaders are better placed to handle these disputes because they understand the history and boundaries of the land.

Filomena Adongo, the women’s representative of Atel Mon me Otek Omwora clan, echoed similar sentiments. She said community-based mechanisms should be prioritized since local leaders are more familiar with land ownership and boundary histories.However, legal experts caution against completely sidelining the courts.

Emmanuel Egaru, the representative of lawyers from Northern Uganda to the Uganda Law Society Council, explained that the Land Act under Article 88 of the Land Regulations, 2004, allows clan leaders to mediate land disputes. He clarified, however, that the law does not grant them authority to make binding rulings, a mandate reserved for courts unless Parliament amends the law.

Meanwhile, Dr. Theresa Auma, Executive Director of Land and Equity Movement in Uganda (LEMU), said her organization has launched a campaign dubbed “Keep Your Land, Keep Your Seed” to promote proper land management and preservation of indigenous seeds.

She warned that increasing land conflicts, coupled with land degradation, are threatening agricultural productivity and food security, largely due to limited knowledge on sustainable land use.As land disputes continue to rise in Lango, the debate over who should handle customary land conflicts remains unresolved, with cultural leaders advocating for greater authority, while legal experts emphasize the need to operate within existing laws.