By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – For eight years, residents of Lologoka Parish in Kotido District have suffered in silence due to a lingering boundary dispute with neighboring Abim District. The conflict has crippled essential services, leaving the community struggling to access basic necessities.
The subcounty’s leadership has been handicapped by the lack of recognized LC1 stamps, currently bearing Abim District’s name despite the parish falling within Kotido District. This discrepancy has resulted in numerous challenges.
“We face difficulties transporting animals to market, resolving agreement disputes, and reporting crimes to police,” said Loading Joseph, the newly elected LC1 chairperson. “Government projects like PDM, Emyooga, and UWEP have also bypassed us.”
Subcounty Chief Ariko Maxwell confirmed the boundary dispute as the root cause of the problems. “The stamps are marked Abim District, yet we’re in Kotido. I’ll work to create new LC1 stamps to resolve this issue.”
Apachabul Sam, a resident of Akwanamoru village, echoed the frustrations. “Our village has gone eight years without an LC1 stamp. The former LC1, Ariang Dokto, hides whenever government officials or the army arrive.”
The absence of essential services has taken a toll on the community. “We’re tired of living in limbo,” Sam added.
As the new leadership vows to address the issue, residents remain hopeful for a resolution.
“The people of Lologoka Parish deserve better,” Loading Joseph said. “We’ll work tirelessly to restore our community’s dignity.”
With the boundary dispute soon to be resolved, Lologoka Parish may finally access the services they desperately need.
This was unearthed during a community meeting with farmers on farmers managed regeneration activities implemented by Nakere Rural Women Activists(NARWOA) in partnership with Women Peace Centre with funding from USAID and Global Womens Fund
