Nwoya, Nebbi clash over land

Borders. The row between the two districts began in 2007, with leaders disagreeing on border demarcations.

A border dispute between Nebbi and Nwoya districts has re-emerged with allegations that cultural leaders from Jonam are claiming more land in the latter.

The rift between the Acholi in Nwoya and the Alur in Nebbi, started in 2007, when Nebbi erected a sign post at Got Apwoyo, some five kilometres away from the boundary of River Nile.

The disputed areas were then under Gulu District.

One of the cultural leaders, Rwoth Odong Madir of Jonam, says their boundaries stretch to Wi Anaka at Yago Pino, which Nwoya contests.
“We have evidence like shrines and trees, which are now being claimed by Nwoya leaders,” Mr Madir said.

The chairperson of Nwoya, Mr Patrick Okello, says the dispute is resuming because of provocative letters from cultural leaders and some politicians in Pakwach, claiming over 50 kilometers of land from the initial political boundary of River Nile.

“They have written to the Ministry of Lands, requesting the extension of Jonam County, and many Alur in Nwoya are selling land illegally to investors,” Mr Okello said.

The Nebbi chairperson, Mr Robert Okumu, said leaders should not mix cultural boundaries with political boundaries.

The row has also been attributed to the discovery of oil in River Nile.

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