SHARE AND TALK ONLY THE TRUTH

RIC-NET conducted an advocacy meeting on policy review on land and cultural institutions acts as is the case in bundibugyo District. The meeting was held at Vanilla Hotel bundibugyo town council, it was attended by the RDC, politicians, ministers of cultural institutions (OBB and OBR), members from the leaders’ council, religious leaders, youth leaders, the media and opinion leaders.

DPC sharing what the law say about land

The matters discussed were on the interpretation of the land and cultural institutions acts where some members of the community have misinterpreted the acts. Community members say “Ekithaka ni kyethu” meaning the “land is ours” as for the Balonzo community while the Bamba community say “land belongs to the Omudhungiya”. The matter in contention is on the ownership of land. 

The constitutional interpretation of the land act has been violated. The land act itself is very clear on land ownership as occupancy.

The cultural institutions act say that cultural institutions have no boundaries thus not limited to one geographical area. The communities in the area still think of cultural institutions with limited boundaries and to certain group of people. This is as a result of deceitful information shared from specific actors in the community with high personal interests, authority and using the community as ladders for their personal gains.

ED RIC-NET sharing the cultural institution act

Leaders of cultural institutions was asked to always tell the people the truth and ensure proper flow of information.The participants identified the key persons in these conflicts and resolved for a dialogue meeting to resolve the matters.

 A statement shared is shared in the district council to pronounce itself on the matter such that people can understand it properly. Political and cultural leaders with the chairmanship of the elder’s forum to conduct community sensitization meeting in those specific areas where the matter is very pertinent. CSOs and government to organize radio programs that shall sensitize the community especially on the land and cultural institutions acts.