By Denish Ongora
ALEBTONG. A dispute over a local forest reserve dominated discussions during a government Baraza held at Alebtong Town Council in Alebtong District.
The engagement was organized by the Office of the Prime Minister.
During the engagement, leaders raised concerns about alleged attempts to use land within a local forest reserve for personal interests.
Alebtong Town Council LCIII Chairperson Tonny Ogwal dismissed claims that the contested forest reserve land lies within the town council.
Ogwal, told residents that he had already reported the matter to district authorities and vowed to protect community interests.
However, the Resident District Commissioner Okiswa Geoffrey said the matter is sensitive and confirmed it involves a local forest reserve, adding that an emergency district committee meeting will be convened to resolve the dispute.
The Baraza also heard concerns from residents who said the tendency of some civil servants to operate from Lira City instead of Alebtong is affecting service delivery in the district.
Community members further revealed that Alebtong Town Council has only one government primary school, which they say is insufficient for the growing population.
The LCV Chairperson of Alebtong District, David Kennedy Odongo, urged calm and dialogue over the matter.
Odongo said the land dispute should be handled where the land is located and called on stakeholders to engage the affected community so their concerns can be heard and resolved.
Earlier, a senior commissioner Rugumya Norman who represented the Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba reported that since the launch of the Parish Development Model in June 2023, government has disbursed 48.7 billion shillings to 24,511 beneficiaries in Alebtong district.
Government has also spent 83 million shillings under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme to support women.
He said the issues raised will be forwarded to relevant ministries for policy action and improved service delivery.
The Baraza attracted over 600 residents, who raised concerns about roads, water supply and lack of medicines in health facilities.
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