In the Kasese District near the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, numerous residents are facing the threat of starvation as a result of insecurity caused by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.
According to these residents, the fear for their safety escalated after the devastating attack on Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School on June 16, which tragically claimed the lives of over 40 people, including 38 children. Many individuals abandoned their gardens in the DRC to seek refuge, leaving them exposed to hunger. While the exact number of affected residents remains unknown, the situation is dire.
Previously, these residents used to cross the DRC through porous borders and rivers to cultivate their gardens. However, due to the prevailing insecurity, Ugandan security forces have tightened control over the borders, now permitting only recognized crossing points for anyone attempting to enter Congo.
One resident, Ms. Rebecca Kyakimwa, aged 50, revealed that her two-acre garden is situated in Domena Village, DRC. Regrettably, despite the crops in her garden, including cassava, sweet potatoes, and yams, being ready for harvest, she and others are unable to access their gardens due to safety concerns.
“Since the ADF rebels incident happened in Kasese, I cannot access my garden anymore because of the insecurity in Congo,” she said.
For fear of being targeted by the rebels in their attacks, Mr. Manasi Kakuhi was forced to leave his garden close to the border.
His 10-person family now risks going hungry since they have lost their main source of food.
“When you want to cross to DRC using the main channel, you are required to pay US$ 10,000 ($2.78) at the border and many of us don’t have that money. We also fear losing our lives,” he said.
“We sometimes hear gunshots at night, and I fear risking my life going to harvest crops from my gardens. We have nothing to eat at home and we are only living at the mercy of God,” he added.
The business community has been impacted by the unrest in the DRC.
Daniel Bwambale used to deal in shoes from the DRC, but his business has now been put on hold due to the current unrest there.