By KT Reporter
Adjumani District leadership has urged the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Hillary Onek, to intervene in the growing conflicts between refugees and host communities, which have been fueled by competition for natural resources and security concerns.
Recent disputes over grazing, settlement, and farming land, as well as allegations of armed robbery and theft, have strained the once harmonious relationship between the two groups.
In recent weeks, four refugees were arrested in connection with these crimes, and three of them have been taken to court.
In a meeting with Minister Onek, Adjumani District Chairman Ben Anyama raised concerns about the role of illegal firearms in escalating tensions between refugees and host communities.
Amos Kong, a refugee leader from Ayilo II Zone, attributed the conflicts to the insufficient land allocated to refugees for planting crops and grazing, which has contributed to resource-based tensions.
Jesca Ababiku, the Adjumani Woman Member of Parliament, pointed out that refugees, particularly those from South Sudan, have brought livestock with them. These animals often stray onto host community lands, destroying crops and triggering disputes.
In his response, Minister Onek commended both Adjumani’s leadership and the host communities for their hospitality. He urged refugee leaders to educate their communities about Uganda’s refugee policies and to foster greater appreciation for these policies.
Minister Onek also pledged to collaborate with local and international partners to address the challenges. He further encouraged the Office of the Prime Minister to review land allocation policies to better meet the needs of both refugees and host communities -URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
