By Otto Abut
Authorities in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, have raised concerns over increasing land encroachment and harassment by Ugandan nationals along the South Sudan-Uganda border. These incidents are severely affecting local communities, particularly in farming areas.
In recent weeks, unauthorized patrols by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) have been reported in areas such as Abuloro, Pogee, Patoko, Adodi, and Paragadwanya, leading to the displacement of farmers. The most recent case occurred in Melijo Village, where Ugandan citizens reportedly took over farmland owned by a women’s cooperative.
Magwi County Commissioner Polepole Benjamin Olum confirmed the encroachment in a statement to Catholic Radio Network (CRN) on Friday, September 20th, 2024.
Magwi County Commissioner Polepole Benjamin Olum on Land Encroachment:
“Ugandan nationals have occupied significant portions of farmland in Melijo Village, particularly land belonging to a women’s farming group. These actions threaten peace and stability along the border.”
Olum further explained that Ugandans have been collecting soil samples from the disputed land and altering GPS coordinates. He described the situation as “worrisome” and called for immediate intervention to protect local resources and restore order.
While tensions had escalated in the past month, Commissioner Olum shared a positive development. Local authorities have engaged in discussions with Ugandan counterparts, resulting in a consensus to promote peaceful coexistence.
Magwi County Commissioner on the Return of Calm:
“I am pleased to announce that the situation has improved. UPDF patrols have reduced, and our people have returned to their farms. Business is back to normal, and peace has been restored.”
Despite these encroachments, both communities remain hopeful that ongoing efforts will ensure lasting peace along the South Sudan-Uganda border. However, the issue of land grabbing and resource exploitation continues to be a point of concern.
–This story is reported with a bursary from Journalists for Human Rights under the ‘Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project,’ funded by the Peace and Stabilization Program of the Government of Canada.”