By Alfred Opio
Clan leaders in Pallisa District have been cautioned against taking sides while distributing property left behind by deceased fathers, amid growing complaints of unfairness in inheritance cases.
The warning was issued by George Onyait, the Acting Pallisa Community Development Officer, who also serves as the District Labour Officer, during an exclusive interview.
Onyait expressed concern that some clan leaders, particularly county chiefs, are allegedly accepting bribes from financially stable family members to influence the sharing of property in their favour.
“It has become common for some clan heads to take sides, especially when they have been bribed by children who have money,” Onyait said. “As a result, some orphans are denied their rightful share.”
He noted that many disadvantaged children remain silent despite being treated unfairly because they lack the financial means to pursue legal action.
“Those affected continue complaining but cannot take their cases anywhere since they are poor. This has created injustice within families,” he added.
Onyait emphasized that property distribution should strictly follow established clan laws and warned that accepting bribes to favour certain beneficiaries is illegal.
“It is always good to work within the clan laws. Accepting bribes to favour those with money is against the law and cannot be tolerated,” he stressed.
He called on relevant authorities to intervene and take action against clan heads who compromise justice for personal gain.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Okello, the Katekok Irokio clan county chief and a resident of Akisim Sub-county, supported the CDO’s remarks, acknowledging that some clan leaders could be engaging in malpractice.
Okello explained that there are clear clan guidelines that govern the sharing of property after the death of a father. According to these customs, orphans are entitled to 75 percent of the property, widows receive 15 percent, dependants take 9 percent, while the heir is allocated 1 percent.
“These guidelines are very clear and must be followed,” Okello said.
He warned fellow clan leaders against accepting bribes, noting that they risk legal consequences if reported.
“Once someone reports you and the matter is taken to court, you are vulnerable to the law,” he cautioned.
The warning comes amid increasing complaints from community members over alleged bias and corruption in property inheritance cases across the district.
