Gulu, Uganda – A high-stakes land dispute in Alwala Village, Amolatar District, has taken center stage on Thursday February 27, 2025, drawing the attention of Gen. Salim Saleh, who chaired a crucial mediation meeting at his residence in Gulu City.
The conflict involves an 8-acre piece of land earmarked for a community school, but legal and moral battles have stalled progress, threatening the project’s future.
Despite intense deliberations, no final resolution was reached. Instead, the parties agreed to await the arrival of Peter Tarcea, the foreign donor behind Slava Ministries, for further discussions in Gen. Saleh’s presence.
The land in question, legally described as Plot 78, Block 4, Alwala, Kyoga County, Amolatar District, was sold by Col. Dr. Francis Ongia to Slava Ministries.
However, the dispute erupted when Ongia allegedly failed to hand over signed transfer forms and the duplicate certificate of title, leaving the buyers unable to register the land in their name (Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga).
Further complicating the matter, Tino Lucy, an 87-year-old woman and mother of Ongia, opposed the sale.
She argued that she had spent decades caring for orphans on the land under her church, Kyoga Miracle Centre Church of God, and had long prayed for a school to be built for them.
On February 21, 2025, Mirembe Joseph filed a petition on behalf of Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga to the State House Legal Department, prompting the summoning of all parties for a resolution meeting.
As the chair of the meeting, Gen. Saleh sought to bridge the widening gap between the conflicting parties, emphasizing the importance of fairness, justice, and recognizing those who serve humanity selflessly.
Quoting Acts 9:36-42, he likened Tino Lucy to Tabitha (Dorcas) in the Bible, a woman celebrated for her devotion to helping the poor:
“In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor… Peter prayed for her, and she was restored to life.”
Gen. Saleh used this scripture to highlight the significance of recognizing Tino Lucy’s sacrifices, cautioning against pushing her aside after she played a pivotal role in the well-being of orphans in the community.
He also drew historical parallels, referencing the Church Missionary Society’s arrival in Uganda in 1912, pointing out that churches historically played a major role in land acquisition under the guise of religious work while also engaging in commerce.
He warned that if Bishop Tom Okello and Slava Ministries – Kiboga fail to reach an understanding with Tino Lucy, the entire project could collapse, as has happened with many donor-funded initiatives before.
Additionally, Gen. Saleh ordered an investigation into Slava Ministries owned by a foreigner, raising concerns over whether they legally qualify to own land in Uganda.
He referenced Article 237(2)(c) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which states:
“Non-citizens may acquire leases in land in accordance with the laws prescribed by Parliament and the laws so prescribed shall define a non-citizen for the purposes of this paragraph.”
Did Slava Ministries Ltd acquire the land under a lawful lease agreement, or was there an attempt to transfer freehold ownership to a foreign entity?
Were the right procedures followed in the registration of Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga?
The meeting ended with the following proposed resolutions, which will only be finalized after Peter Tarcea arrives in Uganda for further discussions:
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The school should be named in memory of Tino Lucy, honoring her legacy in orphan care.
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Tino Lucy should be recognized as one of the school’s directors.
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Col. Dr. Francis Ongia should be compensated by Slava Ministries for his previous support.
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The land title will only be transferred in the presence of Peter Tarcea and Gen. Saleh.
Representing Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga, Bishop Tom Ibrahim Okello said they had planned that a block of the school could be named after Tino Lucy, but refused to name the entire school after her, arguing that funding came from external donors who had other naming preferences.
He further stated that Tino Lucy’s name had already been included in the School Management Committee, which, according to him, was sufficient recognition of her role.
Col. Ongia dismissed allegations against him, insisting that Bishop Okello Tom were working against him and his mother’s interests.
He maintained that once Peter Tarcea arrives, the matter will be resolved in Gen. Saleh’s presence.
Ongia also accused Bishop Okello and his associates of exploiting Tino Lucy and the orphans to solicit foreign donations, only to later sideline her from the project.
The meeting also exposed irregularities in the structure of Slava Ministries Ltd.
Documents revealed that in 2022, the organization had only two board directors—Peter Tachare and his son under Slava Ministries not Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga.
However, in 2024, Bishop Okello, Mirembe Joseph, and another individual registered Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga, expanding the board to five directors inclusive of Peter Tarcea and his son.
This raised serious concerns about legitimacy:
• Were the new directors rightfully added, or was this an attempt to wrest control of the project?
• Were Peter Tachare and his original board aware of these changes?
Amolatar Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo revealed that he had received a directive from Chris Baryomunsi (Minister for ICT and National Guidance) to investigate the case thoroughly.
Accompanied by Amolatar District Police Commander (DPC) SSP Christopher Katumba, the RDC conducted a fact-finding mission and submitted a report requesting ministerial intervention before the matter escalates to court.
Since no final resolution was reached, all parties agreed to pause further discussions until Peter Tarcea arrives in Uganda. Only then will a final consensus be made in Gen. Saleh’s presence.
The mediation, held at Gen. Saleh’s residence in Gulu City, was attended by: Amolatar Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Amolatar District Police Commander (DPC), Namasale Subcounty LCIII Chairperson, Namasale Subcounty Chief, Legal representatives from both sides, Religious and community leaders, Representatives from Slava Ministries Ltd – Kiboga and Local council leaders.
The battle over the Alwala land is far from over. While the Gulu City meeting laid the groundwork for potential peace, everything now hinges on Peter Tarcea’s arrival and whether all parties can reach a common understanding.
