By Lazima Wangadya & Henry Okello
TORORO
Residents of Mwello Rugot in Mwello Sub‑county Tororo district on Friday 5th December, 2025 staged a protest outside Rugot Primary School and St. Luke Mwello Rugot Church, voicing anger over the destruction of both church and school buildings by members of the Milonga family who claim ownership of the land.
The demonstrators, carrying placards inscribed “Enough is enough, we demand justice,” “Grabbing must stop,” and “Justice delayed is justice denied,” moved around the boundaries of the contested land, demanding immediate intervention from authorities.
The protest followed violent incidents a day earlier, when Peter Odoi and Patrick Opio Oboth, family members of the late Milonga, allegedly beat up a teacher at Rugot Primary School, shattered church window glasses, and cracked school walls.
Community members say the land has been under church control for more than 115 years, and vowed to defend it against what they described as unlawful encroachment.
Protester, Rose Osinde called on authorities to act swiftly, warning that the community feels insecure with Odoi and his associates allegedly practicing witchcraft in the area.
Speaking during a meeting at Rugot Primary School, Peter Odoi denied attacking the teacher and demanded recognition of his late grandfather’s contribution in donating land to the church, rather than what he termed as denial of his family’s efforts.
Tororo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajji Sadik Bategana intervened, suspending all shrine activities linked to Odoi until further notice.
He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, while directing both Odoi’s family and the church community to maintain their boundaries until court action resolves the dispute.
