SECURITY AND KASESE DISTRICT LEADERS CALL FOR UNITY & HARMONY AMONGST PASTORALISTS & FARMERS

KASESE By Katukwire Paul Cattle keepers and cultivators in Nyakatonzi Sub County, Bukonzo East County, Kasese District, have been encouraged to create peace, unity, and harmonization that will bring development to their area. This was revealed by the regional security and political leadership through the LC5 structure of Kasese District during a community sensitization engagement involving both pastoralists and crop farmers who have been in prolonged fights over land for grazing and crop farming. Farmers say cattle keepers graze in their crop farms intentionally. Mr. Eriphazi Muhindi Bukombi, the LC5 Chairperson for Kasese District, reminded both parties to remain united as one people for the betterment of life and survival. He urged them to respect each other, including their leaders, and to accept living together since everyone is a beneficiary to the other. Muhindi further warned them against rewarding evil with evil, which he said cannot produce a positive impact. According to SSP. Odoch Denis, the Regional Police Commander, he asked the public to always follow the law and uphold it properly. He indicated that this matter of conflict would not have reached this level, even as the region focuses on other threatening attacks instead of managing local issues with humanity, love, and peace creation. Other officers, including Lt. Col. Kafureka Emmanuel, the Brigade Commander for 222 Mountain Brigade, warned them against tribalism, urged them to create hearts of humanity, and to stop the Basongora mindset of hoping that government will allow them to access Queen Elizabeth National Park for pastoralism, among other issues. Mr. Patrick Byabasaija, the Sub County NRM Chairperson, called for peace creation and for the cancellation of different charges in courts of law that portray them as bad people. Ms. Loice Masika Kiranzi, the Chairperson for Farmers, hailed the engagement meeting as hopeful for bringing peace for them all, but requested authorities to make a move to release the arrested accused people who are said to have injured the cattle that crossed their farms, and to make full compensation payments. This engagement meeting attracted many dignitaries, including political leaders, security officers of all levels, human rights activists, religious leaders, local leaders, and community members, among others. END