“We have not been able to get comments from UN officials on the allegations. Journalists have been barred from accessing the place for over three weeks now,” our reporter Denis Otti based in Gulu town says
In next to no time, northern Uganda’s district of Gulu and entire region may succumb to deadly cholera outbreak if authorities don’t intervene.
This has emerged after 234 locals, all residents of Apaa village, Tirikwa sub-county, Mungula parish in Adjumani district, currently taking refuge at United Nations [UN] offices in Gulu town are sharing sole pit latrine.
The above locals were formally residents of Pabo sub-county in Amuru district until they were forcefully evicted from the contested Apaa land.
This eviction was exercised by Uganda Wild Life Authority [UWA], Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces [UPDF] and the Uganda Police Force [UPF].
Speaking to journalists with sadness on Wednesday from Northern Uganda Media Club [NUMEC] headquarters in Gulu town, the locals say there is possible outbreak of Cholera soon at UN offices where they live.
Oryema William, 52, a resident of Apaa village expressed his fears, saying they may suffer from Cholera and other epidemic as their hygiene and environment is littered with ‘human waste’
“There is only a single pit latrine that the entire population of 234 is using-male and female, young and old. It’s filled up with maggots on the floor,” Oryema says.
According to Oryema, there are several problems they’re facing, including proper bedding.
Angee Ester, 52, says their rights are being violated at UN offices, claiming that United Nations officials are intimidating them.
Related stories:
- Day three: Over 200 Apaa land evicted locals gather at UN offices
- Apaa boarder conflict: Ugandan government accused of gross human rights violation
- Traders donate: Another 17,800 Apaa residents to be evicted soon
- Rwot Onen Acana II asks Government to respect Court Order on Apaa
She says, on top of intimidation, they are being told to leave the premises since they have become a liability.
TND News Uganda reporter Denis Otti reports that since 11, July, 2018 when Apaa locals took refuge at UN offices, journalists have been barred from accessing the place and to interview affected locals.
“We have not been able to get comments from UN officials on the allegations. Journalists have been barred for over three weeks now,” our reporter Denis Otti based in Gulu town says.
“We drink unclean water, being fed on poor diet and some of us are suffering from diarrhea. We have lost trust in UN and we are all now hopeless,” Angee added.
This news website has learnt that there is a mini health unit inside the UN premises to help locals suffering from minor illnesses access medical aid. However, it lack drugs and qualified human resource personnel.