Update On The Conflict In Northern Uganda

VICTIMS OF THE KITGUM CONFLICT HEAR INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE RECEIVING SUPPLIES

At the end of February, we reported on a clan conflict in northern Uganda in the Kitgum District that affected Food for the Hungry Uganda communities. Many families lost their homes, food supplies, and livelihoods.

Since then, FH has been involved in relief, rehabilitation, and reconciliation efforts in Kitgum. On March 19, FH was able to distribute food and home supplies to 218 families. While the communities were gathered and waiting to receive supplies, the District Chairperson and FH staff spoke publicly about the need for reconciliation and encouraged the different groups to seek a peaceful resolution to their dispute.

The tarps that were distributed arrived just in time as the rains started the following day.

One very positive sign of the potential for a peaceful future came from the youth. Young people from Agwoko volunteered to load up food items destined for the Lagot primary school, knowing full well that the food was bound for their "enemies".

In addition, the people in Agwoko who received relief supplies decided to share their food items with the families who hosted them after their homes were burned down. This is a community with very strong sense of what real community is.

While the March distribution was a success, the families of Mucwini still have an uphill climb ahead of them. Houses must be rebuilt, farm tools replaced, and livelihoods renewed before they can be self-sufficient again.

Thankfully, later in the spring, FH was able to distribute seed so that farmers can begin planting their fields.