Lamwo district leaders have urged Uganda’s government to expedite the process of demarcating a clear international border with neighboring South Sudan.
The leaders also want access roads built along the border to prevent persistent cross-border attacks.
During a recent council meeting at the Lamwo district headquarters, security personnel and local leaders called for the opening of access roads at porous border points with South Sudan to prevent armed bandits from infiltrating the district.
The proposed 50-kilometer security road will run from Lelabul to Palwar through Obworo farmland, allowing for army patrols along the Uganda-South Sudan border.
Ocan David Kasisi, a district councillor for the Lukung East sub-county, emphasized the importance of immediate intervention by both the district and central governments to address the ongoing atrocities committed by suspected South Sudanese assailants against Ugandans.
“The pain and suffering inflicted on the Ugandan population, especially in Lamwo District, will escalate if these issues are not brought to light and addressed,” Kasisi stated.
Jenifer Lakot, a resident of Lukung East sub-county, suggested that army detachments be established in Obworo and other high-risk areas, with strategic deployment of military personnel.
She also demanded compensation for families who lost relatives or suffered injuries in previous attacks, arguing that the government should have protected its citizens and their property.
Security concerns along the border
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner Komakech William emphasized that the lack of access roads along the porous border between Lamwo and Magwi County in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State has allowed bandits to operate unchecked.
He explained that the vast wilderness along the border provides cover for the attackers while hindering army patrols.
Komakech urged district leaders to contribute to the road construction using funds allocated under the Project for the Restoration of Livelihood in Northern Uganda (PRELNOR).
Lamwo district’s Lukung, Lukung East, Palabek Kal, and Nyimur sub-counties have been particularly vulnerable to killings and cattle theft by suspected armed South Sudanese bandits.
Lamwo LC5 chairperson Sisto Oyet Ocen acknowledged that heavy deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel has helped reduce attacks in recent months.
However, he stressed that the lack of access roads remains a major challenge in tracking criminals.
Ocen is engaging development partners and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to explore possibilities for constructing access roads linking Lelabul-Palwar and Obworo, covering approximately 50 kilometers.
He also urged the government to expedite the demarcation of a clear border with South Sudan to prevent further violence.
“Farmers who have invested in agriculture this season are unable to access their gardens due to fear of attacks. They should be compensated for their losses,” Ocen added.
Recent attacks and casualties
Between July 10 and August 1, 2023, eight (8) people were reportedly killed, and three others were injured in attacks by suspected South Sudanese bandits.
The deceased include: Lokang Richard, 45, Lukung East Sub County, Abuyi Alex Ludega, 41, Lamwo town council, Opoka David Okongo, 44, Lamwo town council and Acitkwene Denis, 18, Lamwo town council.
Others include Komakech Sulfa, 27, Lukung, Anywar Samuel Baker, 23, Lukung, Nyeko Allan, 25, Madi Opei sub-county, and Okwera Morish, 30, Madi Opei sub-county, as well as three people seriously injured: Okodi Alex (48), Oyeba Dan (22), and Okwang Bosco (23), all of whom live in Ogur sub-county in Lira district.
Following these attacks, many farmers have abandoned their fields due to fear of further violence. This has severely impacted agricultural production, inflicted economic hardship, and heightened anxiety among the local population.
Many residents had invested their limited resources, including loans, in farming, expecting improved yields to support their livelihoods and household incomes.
Lamwo leaders continue to call for immediate government action to address security concerns and prevent further loss of life and property.
By Vincent Kaguta
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