Family row denies refugees access to rented farmland in Lamwo
Officials at UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister have noted that with food rations for refugees from the World Food Program reduced, necessity of renting land has become critical for the refugees’ ability to cultivate their food and regain a sense of dignity in their lives.
Local officials confirmed that Caritas had indeed rented the critical 30 acres at sh3 million. (New Vision/Files)
Christopher Nyeko
Journalist @New Vision
LAMWO - In a troubling development in Lamwo district, a group of refugees have been prevented from accessing 30 acres of rented farmland.
Rented by Caritas Uganda, the land was intended to provide both a source of food and income for the South Sudanese refugees in the area.
The group comprises 20 refugees hailing from Zone 8, along with 10 individuals from the neighbouring Apyeta South and Alali village, all eager to grow food crops for their families and sell the excess to enhance their living conditions.
However, as the refugees prepared to clear the land for planting, their hopes for a fresh start were earlier this week, abruptly thwarted.
Erick Odwar, one of the landlords involved in the conflict, stated that the refugees were barred from accessing the property because Dennis Okema Noor, their stepfather, failed to produce a rental agreement verified by the Office of the Prime Minister.
Speaking to New Vision, Odwar revealed that they have formally lodged complaints with Caritas Uganda and local authorities, yet their pleas have gone unanswered, compelling them to stop anyone from accessing the land.
Local officials confirmed that Caritas had indeed rented the critical 30 acres at sh3 million.
Odwar contends that the Caritas project encroaches on his property, yet Okema declined to discuss potential compensation for the overlap.
Boscso Otim Nyero, the chairman of the Alali Local Council 1, attributed the issue to divisions in the family with some believing that their land had been sold.
He asked the Office of the Prime Minister and Caritas to provide clarity to defuse the escalating unrest within the community.
Francis Obol, the program coordinator for Caritas in Lamwo, acknowledged the growing tension and the challenges faced by the refugees.
He emphasised that Caritas's role was strictly to facilitate the rental of land to support the livelihoods of these vulnerable individuals.
Officials at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office of the Prime Minister have noted that with food rations for refugees from the World Food Program reduced, necessity of renting land has become critical for the refugees’ ability to cultivate their food and regain a sense of dignity in their lives.