Their latest report focuses on the land issues that have currently arisen and the Hepatitis E epidemic, which has spread to the entire Acholi region.
ACHOLI PARLIAMENTARY GROUP (APG)
PRESS STATEMENT
Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) is once again on a tour of Acholi Sub-region.
The issues to share with the populace include the Land (Amendment) Bill 2007, Hepatitis E disease now ravaging the sub-region, Amuru land issues, rampant land wrangles/disputes in the sub-region and IDPs home-return, among others.
APG wishes to sincerely thank the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ministry of Health, District Health Authorities, NGOs and all those who make great efforts to fight Hepatitis E. The disease has now spread from Kitgum to Pader to Gulu to Amuru, covering the entire sub-region. APG appeals to IDPs to speed up going back home and building pit-latrines as one way of fighting this deadly disease. It is difficult to observe hygiene when people are crowded in IDP camps.
The rampant land disputes in the sub-region are due to greed and selfishness on the part of some individuals. APG calls upon the government to immediately re-establish district land tribunals to handle the cases of land disputes as the courts are bogged down with back-logs and have no capacity to speedily handle land cases. In the meantime the district authorities should use the law to deal with those who resort to violence or stop IDPs from returning to their original homes.
The people of Amuru in particular and Acholi in general have roundly rejected the proposed sugar estate project, Amuru Sugar Complex, by the Madhvani, Group of Companies, APG has, accordingly, in separate communication, informed the Madhvani Group of this rejection. APG will not be responsible for the consequences of any attempt to force this project on the people.
APG, however, noted with deep regret new developments in Amuru, where large chunks of land are either being fenced off under the protection of the Army or being allocated through undue influence. The people of Amuru reported that a lot of money has been sent to the district to compromise local officials, especially those dealing with matters relating to land. The people further allege that the land being fenced at Got Arwoyo, purportedly for a Senior Army Officer who hails from there, is actually for highly placed people in government, who intend to use it as holding ground for their livestock, which they sell to Southern Sudan and to the Sudanese Meat Factory in Khartoum.
APG Warns the local leaders allegedly being compromised that they risk their future for generation to come if they betray the people they are elected/appointed to serve. As for the UPDF Officers who hail from the sub-region, APG calls upon them to use their ranks and positions to defend our land. They should never place themselves in a position which makes it appear as if the land is being bartered with promotion.
While in Amuru, APG received some disturbing reports that about 350 people from the neighbouring district of Nebbi have crossed the Nile and settled in Amuru by force. This matter is being investigated. In the meantime, we appeal to our brothers and sisters in Nebbi not to jeopardise the cordial relationship that has existed between the people of Nebbi and Acholi since time immemorial. They should not allow themselves to be used by selfish characters. APG wonders why all this is happening under the NRM regime.
On a happy note, APG appreciates the rate at which IDPs are returning to their original homes. However, it is also sad to note that they are doing so without any assistance from government. PRDP is a three year programme, but the people are wondering when it will start.
Okello Okello, MP
CHAIRMAN
ACHOLI PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
30th July 2008
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