Zombo, Uganda: Local leaders and officials from the Alur Kingdom have stepped up efforts to curb mob justice and restore calm in Zombo District following a surge in violent land disputes that have already claimed lives.
The intervention follows the lynching of a 70-year-old woman, Selethina Mandhawun, and a separate brutal attack on a man identified as Acelam, who was assaulted while cultivating land he had legally won in court.
The incidents, both reported in Atyak Sub-county, have escalated longstanding land wrangles into deadly confrontations, prompting urgent action from security and cultural institutions.
During a high-level community dialogue held on April 17 at Atyak Sub-county headquarters, Zombo District Police Commander SP Job Mutegeki issued a stern warning against mob justice.
The meeting, which brought together LC1 chairpersons, veterans, and community members, highlighted growing concerns over the role of local leaders in fueling violence.
“Security is here to help you. Chairpersons, don’t involve yourselves in issues of bloodshed,” SP Mutegeki cautioned.
He urged leaders to work closely with police and act as “the eyes of security” by reporting suspicious activities.
Alur Kingdom Prime Minister (Jadipu) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala condemned the rising violence and called for a shift towards peaceful dispute resolution. “We have justice systems in place; please don’t take the law into your own hands. It cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Prince Opar emphasized the Kingdom’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, noting that chiefs and clan elders are being empowered to mediate land conflicts in a structured and transparent manner.
He revealed plans to engage Judiciary-approved legal practitioners to train traditional leaders in ADR processes, strengthening collaboration between formal and customary justice systems.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua described Atyak Sub-county as a hotspot for land-related violence, with security agencies closely monitoring the situation.
Land disputes remain widespread across Zombo, particularly in Nyapea, Jangokoro, Paidha, and Atyak, often involving family members and clans under customary tenure systems.
These conflicts frequently result in loss of life, property destruction, and displacement.
The crisis in Zombo reflects a broader national trend.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, land-related crimes, including disputes and fraud, increased by 67% compared to 2024, with 663 cases recorded nationwide. Northern Uganda accounted for a significant share, with disputes largely driven by boundary conflicts (46%), family wrangles (30%), and land grabbing (22%).
Under the leadership of His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, the Alur Kingdom is promoting community-driven peacebuilding approaches anchored in dialogue and mediation.
Prince Opar urged residents to channel disputes through clan elders and chiefs instead of resorting to violence.
The joint initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies, address underlying tensions, and prevent further escalation of land conflicts in the region.
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