Widows in Aboke Sub-county, Kole District, have raised concerns over increasing cases of theft, burglary, and land grabbing, saying the challenges are worsening their struggle to survive. The women from Anyaomit, Atek-Igwali, Acet Dyel, Ool-Aoola, Amwonya, Apuru-Lela, and Oyima villages in Apuru Parish say they face multiple hardships, including poverty, insecurity, land disputes, and social vulnerability.
They claim criminals often target their homes because they are viewed as unable to defend themselves and protect their property. Rose Apio, a widow from Anyaomit Village, said she has already lost four of the six goats she acquired through the Parish Development Model (PDM). She says she now keeps the remaining animals inside her house at night for fear of theft. Apio says the continued loss of property has made life harder for many widows, limiting their ability to meet basic needs and live independently.
Elestina Akworo from Acet Dyel Village said widows are facing two major threats — land grabbing by relatives of their late husbands and increasing theft in their communities. She says these challenges have pushed many widows into deeper poverty and prolonged suffering.Luo bite:
The widows have appealed to local leaders, police, and development partners to strengthen protection for vulnerable groups, especially widows and elderly persons facing abuse and exploitation. Tony Okot, the LC1 Chairperson of Anyaomit Village, identified theft, land grabbing, poor health, and limited access to government programmes such as PDM and cattle restocking initiatives as some of the major challenges affecting widows.
He called for joint efforts from leaders and stakeholders to address the concerns and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents. Meanwhile, Aboke Sub-county Community Development Officer David Edonga said the sub-county has drafted by-laws aimed at tackling school dropout, theft, wetland degradation and poor sanitation. The proposed bylaws are awaiting approval by the Kole District Council.Edonga said the measures are intended to address rising crime and promote community responsibility, including ensuring children remain in school.
He also encouraged residents to participate in government programmes and development initiatives aimed at reducing poverty. Jane Acola, a Community Liaison Officer at Redeem International, an organisation supporting widows and orphans affected by land grabbing, said cases of violence, abuse, and stigma against vulnerable groups remain a concern. Acola urged communities in Apuru Parish and the wider Lango sub-region to take collective responsibility in protecting the rights and dignity of widows and orphans.
Aboke Community Liaison Police Officer Silver Okoro acknowledged that theft cases are increasing in the sub-county, noting that criminals have even targeted police facilities and officers’ homes. However, Okoro expressed concern that many residents do not report cases of theft, abuse, and other crimes. He warned that failure to report incidents gives offenders confidence to continue committing crimes without facing consequences-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
