HOIMA REFINERY LAND CONFLICT LEAVES COWS KILLED, PEOPLE ARRESTED

By Yosam Gucwaki
In Hoima—

Seven people have been arrested and at least 10 cows killed
following a land clash between cattle pastoralists and Aluru farmers in
the Oil refinery land in Kabaale parish, Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima
District.

The clashes broke out over the weekend in Kitegwa village after Aulru
cultivators accused the cattle herdsmen of grazing in their gardens
and destroying their crops.

One of the burnt houses
The serious battle occurred on Monday morning when a
group of Alur community attacked the herdsmen and engaged them in a
serious fight. The fight left six people injured.

Bernard Akankwasa; the Hoima district police commander has regretted
the incident and said seven people have been arrested. He said some of
the injured are admitted at Buseruka health centre Three.

He identified some of the suspects as Garleri Senfuma, Peter
Nzabarita, Elifunsi Habamungu, Feresiano Nzatumu Suzan Tumuhweirwe and Innocent Barushimana.

John Steven Ekom; the Hoima Residence District Commissioner has told our reporter that several people are said to have gained access into the oil refinery land to cultivate and others grazing their animals.

Mr. Ekomu who chairs the Hoima district security committee said they
have deployed police to avert any fights as they address the matter
amicably.

He said they are also investigating reports that some local leaders in
the area are hiring oil refinery land to cultivators at a cost
ranging from sh100, 000 to sh120, 0000 and per acre per year.

Ali Tinkamanyire, the Buseruka LC3 chairman has asked government to
wipeout all those carrying out illegal activities in the refinery
land.
Government compensated 7,118 people who were settling on 29-square
kilometer piece of land in Kabaale parish, Buseruka to pave way for
the construction of the oil refinery. Out of these, 86 families were
resettled in Kyakaboga where government procured 500-acres piece of
land after they opted for resettlement while others were given cash
compensation.
In April last year, pastoralists clashed with cultivators in areas of
Nyahaira, Kitegwa, Bukona ans Kyapuloni over similar issues.

Tinkamanyire says pastoralists tend to invade the refinery land during
dry spell in search for pasture and water.
SOURCE: www.mknewslink.com, a greater western Uganda news website.
Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106