A simmering crisis has emerged in Amudat District, Uganda, following a decision by local leaders to expel all Sabiny individuals residing or working in the area. This resolution, reached recently, has led to an exodus of Sabiny civil servants, including health workers, teachers, and agriculturalists, exacerbating the existing crisis in the region.
The decision to expel the Sabiny community was prompted by a resolution from leaders in Kween, a neighboring district, who sought to immediately remove Pokot pastoralists from their area. In response, leaders in Amudat convened a district security committee meeting and decided to reciprocate by expelling the Sabiny from their district.
Chaired by the Amudat Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. George Owanyi, the meeting also included various local leaders, such as the district chairperson, Mr. Joseph Nangole Lobot. The Sabiny were given one week to vacate the district, leading to an influx of Sabiny people leaving Amudat out of fear for their safety.
The rift between the Sabiny and Pokot communities has been acknowledged by the acting Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Mike Longole. Security agencies have vowed to prevent violence and maintain peace between the two communities, warning against any actions that may incite further conflict.
Incidents of violence and resource-based clashes between Kween and Amudat have become increasingly frequent, prompting the deployment of additional security personnel in both districts. The escalating tensions have led to heightened security measures to prevent further escalation of the situation.
According to the Sipi Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr. Fredrick Chesang, the decision to expel the Pokot from Sebei Sub-region stemmed from allegations of murder and cattle theft against the Pokot community. However, both sides have accused each other of causing insecurity in the region.
During an emergency security committee meeting in Amudat, the RDC, Mr. Owanyi, condemned sectarian and hate speech from some leaders and vowed to take legal action against those inciting violence. Joint security forces have been deployed to maintain peace and security in the region.
The RDC of Kween, Ms. Hope Atuhaire, has also issued a deadline for the Pokot pastoralists to vacate the area, citing concerns over crop destruction and damage to infrastructure caused by Pokot livestock.
The conflict between the two communities has centered around the border of Lokales Sub-county, a contested area designated as a wildlife reserve. While efforts have been made to resolve the conflict, tensions remain high.
Leaders from both communities have exchanged accusations, with Mr. Lobot blaming Ms. Atuhaire for instigating the conflict, while Mr. Owanyi emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and dialogue between the communities.
As the situation unfolds, there are calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution to prevent further violence and displacement of communities. Leaders have been urged to address the root causes of the conflict and promote understanding between the Sabiny and Pokot communities.
