Rédaction Africa Links 24 with RASHUL ADIDI
Published on 2024-01-31 05:14:52
A conflict between the Igaba and Gimere clans in Kela Village, Ludara Sub-county, Koboko District has left 513 residents homeless and sleeping in the cold. The conflict was over a six-acre piece of land and has been ongoing since 2003. The majority of the displaced are women, children, and animals, with one person critically injured during the conflict.
The situation is dire, with pregnant mothers and children experiencing coldness and hunger, as expressed by Mr Jamal Alemiga, one of the displaced residents. He emphasized the need for the matter to be resolved soon and urged for careful planning to avoid further conflicts. In 2009, a similar fight broke out over the same piece of land, leading to more displacement and destruction.
Ms Grace Chandiru, another displaced person, described how she was cooking food in the kitchen when the attack occurred, forcing them to run and leaving all their household items burnt. An assessment conducted by the Koboko District Disaster Management Committee and Uganda Red Cross Society revealed that the 513 residents are from 64 households.
The councillor for Ludara Sub-county, Ms Jidah Bako, highlighted the suffering of the displaced people, including the lack of food, clothing, and medical supplies. The district chairperson, Mr Ashirafu Mambo, blamed the conflict on biased elders and stated that efforts are being made to engage the communities to resolve the matter and provide assistance to the affected residents.
The manager for emergency preparedness and response at Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), Mr Paul Okot, emphasized the urgent need for food aid, clothes, medical attention, and other non-food items for the displaced people.
The district is planning to resettle the displaced people in nearby schools and provide the necessary support to address their immediate needs. However, the situation remains critical, and a resolution to the land conflict is essential to prevent further displacement and suffering among the residents of Kela Village.
