By Norbert Mao
An advocate with Redeem International has called on landowners in the Acholi sub-region to properly document and register their land to prevent land grabbing and disputes, especially after the death of family heads.
Working in Gulu City, Gulu and Amuru District, Redeem International is a Christian non-governmental organization working to protect widows and orphans from violence, property theft and land grabbing.
The organization partners with local leaders, police, courts and government institutions to help vulnerable families secure their rights.
Lamunu Sharon Topista, an advocate practicing with Redeem International, said many widows and orphans face land grabbing because their families have lived on land for years without proper documentation and these lack of land documents creates loopholes that relatives, neighbours and other individuals can exploit to challenge ownership, particularly after the death of a landowner.
She advised people to write wills while they are still healthy, saying proper documentation of land and other property can help prevent disputes after death.
Lamunu said Redeem International receives at least three people seeking help with land-grabbing cases on some days, although not all meet the organisation’s criteria for support stating that those who do not qualify are referred to Police and other organisations for possible assistance.
