Cissy Makumbi
2 July 2009
Gulu — Two years ago, resettling in their original homes after years of pain in congested camps was the option most desired by former displaced people in northern Uganda.
This, they thought, would translate into a better life they once knew and enjoyed but was rudely interrupted by armed conflict.
Leaders in the region now describe the "ill-planned" and hurried process of resettlement as the proverbial 'jumping out of the frying pan to fire.'
According to the Gulu District Woman MP, Ms Betty Aol Ocan, five children died of hunger last week in different sub-counties in Gulu as a result of the famine facing most former IDPs.
The MP said more people could still face death "because their bodies are too weak and in case of an illness, they have no strength to fight the diseases. They stay for days without getting what to eat."
Speaking to reporters last week in Gulu town, Ms Ocan identified Bobi and Palaro sub-counties as the worst hit areas where three children died.
The legislator appealed for immediate intervention by the government and stakeholders.
"Most families have been surviving on mangoes but now that the season has ended, the World Food Programme should help," Ms Ocan added.
Bobi LC5 councillor Keubino Ojok confirmed that the deaths were as a result of hunger.
"I am encouraging my people to dig and always keep some food in case of any disaster," Mr Ojok said.
Gulu District youth councillor Joyce Alima said during a field visit last week, residents told the councillors that two children died of hunger in Odek Sub-county.
Five others were reportedly admitted in critical condition at Adek Health Centre 3.
"The victims are especially orphans who have no one to take care of them," Ms Alima said.
She said two other children died in Koro Sub-county after eating poisonous cassava.
In the neighbouring district of Amuru, three children were reported to have died in the two sub-counties of Atyak and Purongo two weeks ago.
Last month, communities in Acholi sub-region accused their leaders of assuring WFP of the safety of former IDPs at the areas of return, which encouraged the relief body to withdraw its emergency assistance.
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