Kitgum leaders advised to choose negotiation means as they move to recover DFI land
Of these, 40 acres were recovered nearly 10 years ago and have already been allocated.
Kitgum: The leadership of Kitgum District has been advised to pursue negotiation strategies as they work to recover the land allocated to the District Farm Institute (DFI), with the involvement of relevant government ministries and agencies.
In an interview with this publication on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Mr. Tabu Alex Odongtoo, the former Kitgum Town Council Urban Chairperson, explained that the DFI land was initially owned by the Ministry of Agriculture and used to train farmers. However, part of the land was also used by the former Kitgum Core PTC.
Mr. Odongtoo further explained that over the years, various interventions were made, including a partnership with AVSI that built new structures, and a program by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to set up an extension program based in Ngetta, Lira City.
These efforts were intended to support farmers in the greater Kitgum region, which includes Lamwo, Pader, and Agago, by introducing innovative farming techniques.
He advised the district leadership to work closely with the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture as they pursue the recovery of the DFI land. However, he also suggested that an agricultural research center for farmers be considered as an alternative, and emphasized that legal action should be seen as a last resort.
Meanwhile, Mr. Otto Mathew, Kitgum District Land Officer, disclosed that the DFI land is divided into two sections: one measuring 40 acres and the other 90 acres. He explained that the 90-acre section is titled in the name of the Uganda Land Commission, with original documents held by Kitgum District. The 40-acre section, developed as part of the AVSI partnership, has its documents in the district land registry.
Mr. Mathew also clarified that NARO does not possess official documentation regarding the DFI land, as their involvement had been through individual connections with former DFI workers, not the district itself.
A source informed this publication that, according to records, only 130 acres had originally been allocated for the DFI, but the institute has been occupying 175 acres illegally. Of these, 40 acres were recovered nearly 10 years ago and have already been allocated.
This portion borders the Ginnery area. The remaining 45 acres, which the district is now seeking to recover, was previously the Variety Trial Centre, located near Shell Alcoben, Pandwong Division, and extends toward Yotkom, reaching near Pandwong Primary School.
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