Gulu, Uganda – A crucial meeting originally set for today, Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Kampala by the State House Legal Department to resolve a contentious land dispute in Alwala Village, Burakwana Parish, Namasale Subcounty, Amolatar District, has been moved to Gulu.
The relocation aims to establish key facts regarding conflicting ownership claims over land designated for an orphanage school project.
The dispute involves Slava Ministries Ltd, which claims to have purchased a 3.2490-hectare piece of land from Col. Dr. Francis John Ongia but has struggled to obtain transfer documents and the duplicate certificate of title.
The legal standoff has drawn the attention of the State House Legal Department, prompting government intervention for a comprehensive resolution.
According to Col. Dr. Ongia, the meeting was relocated to Gulu due to emerging contradictions and multiple claimants, making an on-ground assessment necessary.
Further meetings may also be held in Bangladesh, Kyoga County, Amolatar District, to engage local communities involved in the land transactions.
Documents reviewed by the State House indicate inconsistencies in ownership claims, with multiple parties asserting interests over the same land.
The legal dispute was formally raised through a petition filed by Mirembe Joseph on behalf of Slava Ministries against Col. Dr. Ongia. However, additional claimants have emerged, complicating the case further.
To address these complexities, State House opted to conduct the first fact-finding meeting in Gulu instead of Kampala.
The meeting is expected to determine the true ownership of the land and guide the government on the necessary legal steps for resolution.
Key stakeholders traveling to Gulu for the meeting include; Bishop Tom Ibrahim Okello and his team, Col. Dr. Francis Ongia and his team, Legal representatives from the State House Legal Department and Local Council One (LCI) representatives from Alwala Village, Burakwana Parish, Namasale Subcounty.
A letter dated February 21, 2025, from Flora Kiconco, Principal Private Secretary to the President, formally invited key stakeholders to the initial meeting in Kampala.
The letter, addressed to various individuals and government officials, emphasized the need for all parties to present relevant documentation to aid the resolution process.
The letter was copied to the Resident District Commissioner, Amolatar District, District Police Commander, Amolatar District and Chairman LC1 of Alwala Village.
However, as confirmed by Col. Ongia this morning, the meeting was moved to Gulu to facilitate a more practical, on-the-ground assessment.
Meanwhile, the orphanage school project at the center of the dispute remains stalled, with police halting further construction pending a legal resolution.
