Authority of Dokolo Town Council and Dokolo District Call for Understanding Amidst Land Dispute

The leadership of Dokolo Town Council and Dokolo District have called for understanding and support of development amidst ongoing land disputes in Dokolo Town Council, particularly along Market Street where the construction of Obote Avenue is underway.

During an engagement meeting held to address these concerns, Benard Opige, the Town Clerk of Dokolo Town Council, urged the community to support government development programs, especially road infrastructure. He emphasized that the Town Council would not entertain prolonged court matters, as such disputes waste significant resources and hinder progress.

Charles Dickens Omara, the Engineer of Dokolo Town Council, expressed concerns about potential delays in the project due to the ongoing resistance from the community. He urged the community to resolve their issues at a lower administrative level and allow the construction to proceed to meet contractual deadlines.

Hargad Owani, a District Engineer, called for a more rational approach to resolving the matter. He encouraged the community to focus on the development of the area and avoid letting personal interests interfere with the project's progress.

Tonny Odongo Ocen, the Vice Chairperson of Dokolo District, appealed to the community to accept the government's development programs. He warned that if the resistance continues, the development could be shifted to other areas, thus depriving the community of crucial infrastructure.

Christopher Olobo, the LC1 Chairperson of Acengryeny Cell in Central Ward, Dokolo Town Council, acknowledged the concerns raised by the community about the ongoing construction. He appreciated the quick intervention of the Town Council and District authorities in addressing the land disputes that were threatening the project's progress.

One of the complainants, Francis Ojumbe, voiced his concerns about the lack of proper community mobilization and consultation before the construction began. He asked for clarification from the Town Council authorities about the legality of the project and the lack of community involvement.

Another complainant, Rajab Epila, explained that he had successfully titled his land without interference from the Town Council. He argued that if there were any issues with his land, the Town Council should address them without hindering his development plans.

Residents like Lawrence Ogwang, Pastor of Victory Outreach Ministry, Agnes Aceng, and Alfred Ogwang Okello also voiced their displeasure with the lack of sensitization before the project's launch. Many residents expressed frustration, shouting and calling for fair justice and equality in the resolution of the matter.

The construction of the 0.6km low-cost sealing of Obote Avenue, undertaken by Rhino Engineering Work Company Limited, was launched by the Dokolo District Local Government. The project, valued at 389.9 million shillings, began on January 1, 2025, with a completion deadline of April 1, 2025.