By Komakech Jimmy
Residents of Lalur Okun village, Koch Kalang parish in Goma sub-county, Nwoya district are facing threats from some rich persons in the area.
The residents say these persons always come with government soldiers and threaten their lives.
They further claim that they are being ordered to demolish their houses and shift away from the 15, 000 hectres of land.
This vast land is located in Ayego village up to Koch Goma road, we have learnt.
“These persons are claiming that the land belongs to them and yet we have been in this area for decades,” one locals say.
Irene Alanyo, a resident of the area says the tension is between two rich persons, only identified as Aber and Apia.
He told our reporter that Apia wants to take control over whole land belonging to clan members whilst Aber who wants to chase people because ‘he is rich’.
Agness Obye says they are at risk, pain because even when splitting fire woods in their homes for cooking, soldiers have to come and check ‘who’s working’, adding: “And it is not easy to cultivate this land now.”
Alfred Kibwota who is the secretary to the chairperson Kalang village, revealed that the land was occupied by locals since 1975.
Then, he says it was a refugees camp during Amin’s time.
He added that some had settled there before, also adding that ‘they are claiming for land ownership by threatening people’s lives’.
Justine Odong, the local council one chairperson Lalur Okun village says they are scared and facing many challenges like life threats.
“We can hardly sleep at night since all activities we are conducting in the village are being monitored by people we believe are soldiers.”
Over 2,000 people of Lalur Okun think it’s time some personalities with own the entire village, alongside putting more threats in their lives.