Moses Nampala
31 December 2008
Kampala — A TEAM from the lands ministry will soon survey and demarcate the disputed wetland occupied by the Jopadhola from Tororo and Banyole from Butaleja districts.
This was revealed by local government minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire on Monday while meeting representatives of the Jopadhola and Banyole communities at Buteesa Primary School in Butaleja district.
The minister's visit follows escalating tension between the two communities over a wetland mainly used for rice growing on the border of the two districts.
"The boundary, yet to be fixed, should not cause harm for a Japadhola to grow rice as long as he has been able to reach a mutual understanding with a Munyole and vice versa," Otafiire said.
Animosity between the two communities escalated about two years ago when the Government granted the Banyole, formally part of Tororo, Butaleja district
In September, 30 members of the Jopadhola community had their homes set ablaze and were chased away by the Banyole.
In retaliation, the Jopadhola destroyed gardens of rice belonging to the Banyole.
Otafiire warned politicians from the two districts against inciting their subjects into violence.
"The leadership of both communities ought to desist from politicking as the feud may degenerate into genocide," he warned.
"Nobody is above the law and those engaged in incitement will face the law."
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