As Uganda continues to host thousands of refugees, land conflicts are emerging as one of the most pressing challenges in settlements. While gender-based violence has often dominated discussions around refugee protection, disputes over land are quietly escalating into a crisis with far-reaching consequences.
In settlements where over 80,000 refugees live, each household is allocated a 30 by 30 plot of land. Yet, this provision is increasingly inadequate for survival. New arrivals often struggle to understand boundaries, while host communities sometimes view refugee cultivation as encroachment. One refugee explained: “Once your crops are mature, they may be harvested by others before you even begin. It is a common issue.”
The situation is worsened by informal agreements. Many refugees rent land outside the settlements, investing millions of shillings, only to face eviction without protection. As one community member noted, “The biggest challenge is that most agreements are verbal. Without witnesses or written contracts, refugees remain vulnerable.” WORUDET and partners have emphasized the need for formal documentation, community sensitization, and stronger legal frameworks to safeguard livelihoods.
Women, in particular, face unique challenges. Refugee mothers report restrictions on cutting trees within their plots and limitations on planting beyond the allocated space. These constraints force families to seek land outside the settlements, often at high risk of exploitation.
The call for action is clear. Refugee leaders and land actors argue that government and partners must go beyond temporary measures. Long-term solutions, including securing dedicated plots for cultivation and strengthening dispute resolution structures, are urgently needed. WORUDET continues to advocate for honest dialogue between refugees and host communities, stressing that sustainable peace depends on equitable access to land.
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