UGANDA, Kiryandongo | Real Muloodi News | The Kiryandongo land conflict, spanning over seven years, has had profound effects on children and families residing in Kiryandongo District.
Hundreds of children are experiencing hunger and lack of access to education as a result of the protracted dispute.
Since 2017, many children have been forced out of school, and their parents, who relied on agriculture for their livelihoods, are now struggling to provide food for their families due to the occupation of their land by ranches.
The farming families find themselves caught amid land occupied by Agilis Partners, Great Season SMC Limited, and Kiryandongo Sugar Limited, which have established ranches covering approximately 9,300 acres in Mutunda and Kiryandongo sub-counties.
Before the establishment of these ranches, the land was inhabited and cultivated by over 35,000 families who had sought refuge in the area after fleeing conflicts and natural disasters in other parts of Uganda.
Esther Namuganza, a resident of Kimogoro Village, Mutunda Sub-county, recounts the events of November 23, 2017, when agents of Agilis Partners informed residents of Ranch 20 and 21 about the acquisition of the land and the necessity to vacate.
Despite resistance from some families, many were evicted from their land, leaving them without the means to grow food or sustain themselves.
Annet Muganyizi, a former Senior Four student, highlights the destruction of schools, health facilities, and water sources on the land, leading to the disruption of essential services for the community.
John Byaruhanga of Nyamutende Village in Kiryandongo Sub-county describes the drastic changes brought about by the arrival of Agilis Partners, including beatings, torture, and forceful evictions at gunpoint.
He emphasises the dire situation faced by families who relied on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.
Emmanuel Onyango, spokesperson for Agilis Partners, refutes allegations of continuous forceful evictions, stating that people still reside on Ranch 20 and 21.
He denies the company’s involvement in ongoing evictions and suggests that if evictions were taking place, there would be no remaining inhabitants on the land.
Jonathan Akweteireho, the Kiryandongo deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), acknowledges the complex nature of the land conflict, emphasising the historical context of the Bunyoro land question.
He highlights the absence of land titles for residents settled in the area and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities residing in the affected ranches.
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