AEFJN Ugandan Antenna
In a landmark partnership, Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) and the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (JPIIJPC) have joined forces to establish the AEFJN Uganda Antenna, a platform dedicated to promoting social and economic justice. This collaboration aims to address critical issues such as land rights, food security, climate change, and economic justice. Through this initiative, the Antenna has brought together member congregations, faith-based organizations, civil society, and local communities to collectively advocate for justice and sustainable development. One of the first outcomes of this partnership is a food security and land justice project in Adjumani District, a region where land conflicts and food insecurity pose significant challenges to local communities.
- Background
The pervasive issue of land grabbing exacerbates the intertwined challenges of land injustice and food insecurity in Uganda, marked by numerous reports of arbitrary massive land evictions. Recent incidents highlight the severity of the problem, such as the ruthless evictions in Kalangala District, where palm oil companies like BIDCO displaced residents. Additionally, the Bukaleba forest reserve witnessed extensive land seizures by a Norwegian forest group, resulting in the displacement of over 8,000 people across 13 villages, as pine and eucalyptus replaced hectares of land. In Kiboga, the Luwunga forest reserve faced evictions by New Forest Company, displacing 20,000 people and clearing the forest for pine tree cultivation. These instances not only underscore the urgent need to address land injustice but also magnify the interconnected challenges of food insecurity and diversified local food basket, as communities lose their homes and livelihoods due to these widespread land-related issues.
Northern Uganda, scarred by the legacy of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) war, grapples with an enduring and pervasive issue: the persistent land disputes that have disrupted the region’s social fabric. In the aftermath of the conflict, the return of internally-displaced persons, ex-combatants, and war-affected individuals has given rise to a concerning surge in land conflicts, casting a shadow over the prospects of sustainable reintegration. Beyond the immediate implications of contested land claims, these disputes have contributed significantly to a broader problem – food insecurity and sometimes little attention to agroecology. As the majority of the population relies on land for subsistence, shelter, and livelihood, the ongoing land wrangles exacerbate vulnerabilities in the region’s agricultural landscape. The struggle for control over land resources not only hampers agricultural productivity but also fuels a cycle of communal conflict, thereby perpetuating a state of social disintegration.
Adjumani District in Uganda grapples with a severe demographic challenge as the second-highest host of refugees in the country, with refugees constituting 55% of its population, primarily from South Sudan. This influx has intensified pressure on land resources, particularly in the contested Apaa area, leading to deep-seated conflicts involving Adjumani and Amuru districts, Uganda Wildlife Authority claims, and economic interests from the Madhvani Group. The traditional land tenure system, governed by elders and tribal authorities, has collapsed under external pressures and government interventions, further fueling tensions. The land disputes have resulted in significant consequences, including the displacement of over 40,000 people, the death of 30 individuals since 2012, and a tangible disruption in agricultural activities, jeopardizing the livelihoods of local farmers and impacting overall food production in the region. Despite government interventions, compensation packages, and resettlement plans, the situation remains precarious, with the intricate dynamics of land pressures exacerbated by historical and contemporary migration patterns, as well as shared agricultural dependence with neighboring Acholi Sub-Region. The escalating conflicts in Adjumani District highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the complex tapestry of issues threatening the well-being and livelihoods of the local communities.
The escalating land conflicts are detrimental to the principles of agroecology and significantly impact the environment, thus reduction in indigenous agrosmart (environmentally friendly agricultural activities) food basket. The abandonment of farms due to fear and insecurity is disrupting traditional farming practices, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity and jeopardizing the delicate ecological balance. The introduction of economic interests, particularly by entities like the Madhvani Group, seeking vast land for sugar cane cultivation, is diverting attention and resources away from sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming practices. Legal battles and suspicions surrounding hidden agendas is further exacerbating the situation, fostering an environment where the pursuit of economic gains is overriding the need for ecological sustainability. The resulting disruption is not only hampering local food security but also contributing to the degradation of the environment and the abandonment of essential agroecological practices in the area.
- From Food Security to Land Justice
The AEFJN-supported project in Adjumani District is transforming lives by enhancing food security and addressing land injustices. Working with 191 farmers across 18.5 acres of land, the initiative promotes indigenous farming practices to strengthen sustainable agriculture. Farmers are cultivating maize, rice, millet, sim-sim, sunflowers, and soybeans, ensuring both food availability and economic empowerment.
In order to build resilience and improve productivity, 132 farmers received specialized training in agroecology. This training equipped them with essential knowledge and skills, including: Modern farming techniques to boost productivity, Use of natural manure and pesticides for sustainable agriculture, Land tilling and nursery bed preparation to enhance crop yields and Development of organic insecticides to reduce dependency on harmful chemicals.
These efforts are not only securing food for vulnerable communities but also restoring the balance between agriculture and environmental conservation. Farmers are now better equipped to improve yields, and contribute to long-term food security in the region.
The establishment of the AEFJN Uganda Antenna is a powerful testimony to what collaboration can achieve. Through partnerships like this, communities in Uganda are gaining access to knowledge, resources, and advocacy platforms that empower them to stand up for their rights and secure their future.
This itinerary of hope is just at the beginning. With a strong foundation in place, the AEFJN Uganda Antenna is poised to expand its efforts, fostering greater resilience in communities facing injustice. By continuing to promote sustainable land use, advocate for policy reforms, and support vulnerable populations, this initiative is setting a precedent for faith-driven social justice efforts across Africa and beyond.
Follow the link to watch video testimony: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WuOYOw_wU-GWp4Pa-T9J0elde9E2n-eU/view?usp=sharing
