In a rural village in Hoima District, Western Uganda, three determined sisters found themselves entangled in a land dispute with their elder brother, Bingi. They refused to be silenced and took their case to VC partner, Justice and Peace Commission (JPC)- Hoima Diocese.
This is the inspiring story of Margret, Immaculate, and Paska, who overcame adversity and fought for their rights.
The Land Dispute:
Margret, Immaculate, and Paska stood united against their brother, Bingi, who claimed that women had no right to own land at their ancestral home. Despite their late father having given each of them 2 acres of land before his passing, Bingi had seized their plots, even going so far as to construct his own house on Margret’s portion.
Seeking Justice:
The determined sisters took their case to the Chairperson of their village, hoping for a resolution. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain as the matter remained unresolved. Undeterred, they sought the assistance of their clan leaders, who scheduled a meeting with Bingi. However, the respondent failed to attend, leaving the sisters disheartened. They were then advised by their clan leaders to pursue legal action, but the burden of expensive legal fees prevented them from accessing justice.
The Ray of Hope:
In a stroke of luck, Margret stumbled upon a radio talk show discussing land rights, where she learned about the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC). Realizing that this might be the solution they desperately needed, she promptly informed her sisters about JPC and their mission to uphold justice.
Finding Resolution:
The three sisters wasted no time and decided to approach JPC, filing a formal complaint against Bingi. JPC swiftly organized a mediation session, which was attended by both parties at their office. Recognizing the complexity of the case, it was agreed to conduct a second mediation session in Kitema village, the disputed land’s location.
A New Beginning:
During the second mediation, the respondent, Bingi, realized the validity of his sisters’ claims and agreed to return the disputed land to its rightful owners. Furthermore, he acknowledged his wrongdoing and offered Margret another piece of land as compensation for the land where his house was built against her wishes. A memorandum of understanding was drafted and signed by both parties, symbolizing their commitment to the resolution.
Reconciliation and Boundaries:
With the amicable resolution of the dispute, a beautiful act of reconciliation took place. The parties planted “emiramura trees” as boundary markers, signifying the demarcation of each person’s land. Through this symbolic act, the siblings not only established clear boundaries but also restored their fractured relationships.
Conclusion:
The story of Margret, Immaculate, and Paska serves as a shining example of how determination, access to justice, and the support of organizations like VC partner, JPC can empower individuals, particularly women, in their pursuit of land rights. Through mediation and reconciliation, this family transformed a bitter dispute into a harmonious resolution, ensuring that justice prevailed and the voices of women were heard.
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