Homes Burned as Oyam Land Dispute Turns Violent, Police Move to Restore Calm

OYAM, Uganda – Police in Oyam District have moved swiftly to restore calm following a violent land dispute that saw an angry mob torch several homes in Bar Cell, Eastern Ward, Oyam Town Council on Thursday afternoon.

The Territorial Police confirmed they are investigating a case of arson and malicious damage to property after residents from Puga and Atek Cells allegedly attacked the homes of Abang Catherine (75), Omara Innocent, Otyam Solomon, and other yet-to-be-identified victims.

According to police reports, the assailants set the houses on fire and maliciously destroyed property, accusing the victims of unlawfully converting community grazing land into agricultural farmland.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 pm on February 19, 2026, and was reported to Oyam Central Police Station at 7:20 pm the same day by Madam Abang Catherine, a peasant farmer.

In a statement released Friday, Police Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, SP PJ Okema, confirmed that authorities have already recorded statements from witnesses and visited the scene to document evidence.

“Relevant statements have been recorded from witnesses to aid investigations. The scene of crime was visited and documented by the District Police Commander (DPC) Oyam, together with a team of detectives and the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO),” SP Okema said.

In a bid to prevent further violence, the District Police Commander and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Oyam have engaged with the local community to address tensions and urge restraint.

“The community was subsequently engaged by the DPC and the RDC Oyam in efforts to calm the situation and prevent further violence,” the statement added.

Police have strongly condemned the mob action and destruction of property, urging members of the public to channel all grievances through lawful means.

“We strongly condemn acts of mob actions and destruction of property, and members of the public are urged to remain calm, exercise restraint, and channel all grievances through lawful and peaceful means as investigations continue,” SP Okema emphasized.

Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved. Police have assured the public of their commitment to handling the matter thoroughly.