By Our Reporter

Ngora District - In a community often plagued by land wrangles, the LCII Chairperson of East Ward in Ngora Town Council, George Francis Oluka, is taking a grassroots approach to resolve disputes and restore harmony. Through community engagement and alternative dispute resolution methods, Oluka has significantly reduced land-related tensions in his ward.

Over the past year, Oluka reports that land conflict cases have dropped by over 85%, thanks to his office’s deliberate efforts to encourage peaceful, out-of-court settlements. His ward—comprising Obuku, Kabakuli, Kachinga, Okisimo, and other cells—has transformed into a model of how local governance can provide timely, fair, and cost-effective solutions to a long-standing problem.

“Before I assumed office, we recorded over 50 land-related cases annually. Last year, we resolved 15 of them, and by April 2025, we’ve only had three new cases,” said Oluka. “Most of these disputes involved family members. By encouraging dialogue and involving local leaders, people are now choosing peaceful resolutions over legal battles.”

Oluka emphasizes that land disputes often surge during the rainy season, when boundaries become unclear. He advises residents to demarcate land early and use tree planting as a sustainable solution for boundary identification.

“Trees serve as permanent markers and also benefit the environment,” he said. “We’re encouraging people to combine land protection with conservation.”

Addressing concerns over bias and corruption, Oluka firmly rejected allegations that LCII officials favor wealthy individuals in dispute resolutions.

“We conduct ourselves with integrity. No one has ever formally accused my office of taking bribes or soliciting money,” he stated.

Clement Okorom, LCII Committee Chair for Environment, echoed the value of tree planting in reducing land conflict and preserving land for future generations.

“We strongly discourage taking matters to court. Mediation works, and our community now trusts the LCII office to help solve issues fairly,” Okorom said.

Meanwhile, Col. Richard Okwakol, Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation in Ngora District, praised the collaborative spirit between local leaders and the community.

“Solving land conflicts at the grassroots saves families resources and time. It also promotes unity,” he noted. “We also urge residents to plant trees to support both environmental and land security.”

Oluka’s leadership presents a practical solution to land conflicts—an issue that remains a top concern in many rural Ugandan communities. His focus on dialogue, fairness, and proactive planning is not only reducing court cases but also helping rebuild trust between citizens and their leaders.

As Ngora moves forward, the East Ward’s approach offers hope and a blueprint for other districts struggling with similar land-related tensions.