KISORO UGANDA: Six family members in Nyakabande Sub-county, Kisoro District, have been ordered to collectively raise UGX 600,000 to support an elderly woman at the center of a prolonged family conflict over property.

The directive was issued on Saturday by the Kisoro District Senior Probation Officer, Alex Okwaratuhe, together with the Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Kisoro Police, Gideon Mfitumukiza, local leaders, and residents.

The decision followed a family mediation meeting held in Gakoro Village, Rwingwe Parish, Nyakabande Sub-county.

The elderly woman, Mukundufite Joyce, a mother of two daughters and grandmother of four, is at the center of the dispute. Her daughters and grandchildren have been fighting over ownership and the sale of family land.

Mukundufite explained that she had previously allocated portions of land to her grandchildren, allowing them to sell some of it to cater for her basic needs such as food and medication during illness, despite formal land agreements already being in place.

However, tensions have escalated between her two daughters, each accusing the other of attempting to sell family land without consent. One daughter claims she has taken on a greater role in caring for their mother, while both allege interference in property decisions, including land already given to the grandchildren.

They have since appealed to local authorities and community members to intervene and resolve the dispute.

Residents say the family has a long history of conflict, noting that even local council leaders have previously attempted to mediate, but the disagreements have persisted.

In his remarks, Okwaratuhe emphasized the need for unity, stating that both daughters must cooperate in caring for their mother to ensure her well-being.

He ordered each of the six family members  two daughters and four grandchildren  to contribute UGX 100,000, totaling UGX 600,000, towards her care.

Meanwhile, Mfitumukiza urged the family and the wider community to embrace cooperation in resolving domestic conflicts.

He advised elderly individuals to manage their property decisions carefully and avoid making frequent, conflicting agreements when distributing assets to children and grandchildren.

He also called on couples and families to promote respectful communication at home and refrain from using abusive language, noting that such behavior often fuels disputes.