Refugees cost me my post — Yumbe chairperson

POLITICS REFUGEES

The LC5 chairperson of Yumbe district, Yassin Taban, has blamed his loss during the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections, on his firm support and protection for refugees and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the district.

The recently concluded district health assembly turned emotional for many participants when the chairperson used the occasion to bid farewell to his colleagues and partners.

Taban, who served as the district chairperson for 10 years, was speaking on the last day of the recently concluded district health assembly held at Hotel Praford.

Taban said during campaigns the other candidates were alleging that he connived with the Office of Prime Minister (OPM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to sell the land on which refugees are settled, at sh500m.

Accusations

They also accused him of siding with the implementing partners to block locals from getting jobs with the refugee projects.

"I followed international and NGO laws which are strict and provide no enabling law for a local leader like me to alter but rather take action to advocate the rights of the local community," the outgoing LC5 boss said.

He added that the land in West Nile belongs to people and that the Government will not take it away from them. However, he said people need to secure the facilities that have been set up, since in future, the refugees will depart and there will be no one to fund or maintain the facilities.

"I will not contest again, but I will campaign for the NRM, particularly the President of Uganda. People should not be surprised to see me working elsewhere, in an even better and bigger position," Taban said.

Anthony Oluku, the LC3 chairperson of Midigo subcounty, who also lost in his bid to be chairperson of the newly created Midigo town council, praised Taban for the wonderful work he had done for Yumbe

district in the 10 years.

Oluku added that leadership is a call from God and it happens at the right time.

"God will not forget His people. When he closes one door for you, continue worshipping Him. He will open a better one," he said.

Taban lost to Asiku Abdulmutalib, coming second.