Land dispute derails establishment of livestock market
AMURU-A longstanding land dispute between Amuru and Gulu districts is threatening the establishment of a livestock market in Adee area claimed by both districts.
If allowed to operate by both districts, the livestock market would have animals including cattle, goats, sheep as well as poultry sold there. Authorities say the market would serve the whole of the Acholi Sub-region and neighbouring South Sudan.
Amuru district contends that Adee, where Gulu district authorities want to establish the livestock market, is in Okidi Parish, Atiak Sub-county. Atiak leader claim that the area in contention stretches from Corner Adee to Palulu Oroko, all in Okidi Parish.
Gulu district leaders on the other hand claim Adee is in Lagot Anyira and Tekkwo villages in Oroko Parish, Palaro Sub-county in Gulu district.
Kenneth Okot, the chairperson of Greater Atiak, which includes Atiak Sub-county and Town council, argued records at the Ministry of Lands, show that the disputed area is in Okidi Parish in Atiak Sub-county.
Okot said local leaders mid last week agreed that no market should be opened by either Amuru and Gulu districts until the dispute is resolved.
According to Okot, the continuous attempt by Gulu district local government to open the livestock market in an area outside their administrative jurisdiction is illegal, noting that legal and rightful procedures should be taken to solve the dispute.
“We have resolved that no livestock market should be opened in the contested area. In any case, the matter is still in court since 2011,” Okot said.
Michael Komakech, the Palaro Sub-county LCV councilor said whereas the dispute over the boundary has been there, it should not stop the establishment of a livestock market.
Komakech said the major cause of the conflict is local revenue collection from the market whereby both districts want to collect it.
“This market was operational at some point until the dispute became tense. For me I think the major cause of commotion now is the issue of who should collect the local revenue from the market,” Komakech said.
Michael Lakony, the Amuru district LCV chairperson said the two districts should deploy their staff surveyors to do due diligence on the disputed land if Gulu district leaders are not willing to accept records from the Ministry of Lands.
According to Lakony, the border dispute should not hinder community development, especially for the market going to serve cattle farmers.
Christopher Opio Ateker, the Gulu district LCV Chairperson said his district is focused on providing services to the people and not conflict over land.
Opio said Gulu district is operating in its clearly demarcated administrative area, which is why, he said, they are proceeding with the establishment of the livestock market in Adee, Oroko in Gulu district.
Stephen Odong Latek, the Amuru resident district commissioner said available information shows Adee is in Amuru district.
Currently, Acholi Sub-region doesn’t have any functional livestock market with locals traveling to Amach in Lango, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, and Soroti to buy the animals.
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