The land. Read on.
Ochan
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Security Production Programme could be dangerous venture
I have come across a concept paper entitled Security and Production
Programme (SPP), which was circulated during a public dialogue on
conflict resolution for northern Uganda, held on July 22, 2003 at the
Nile Hotel International Conference Centre.
Apparently, SSP is a government proposal for implementation in the near
future.
According to the paper, SPP is a strategic plan to counter insecurity in
the Acholi sub-region.
SPP, according to the paper, envisages transforming Internally Displaced
People's Camps (IDPs) into Ujama-type-villages by establishing block
farms known as security and production units (SPUs) around each
camp.
It details out maize, beans, upland rice and sorghum as some of the crops
the displaced persons are to grow for their survival and as a source of
income.
The programme also targets 800,000 people (the entire population of Gulu,
Kitgum and Pader).
The SPP looks attractive for donor funding and may be applauded by
Ugandans who have little regard for the rights of IDPs.
It is important, however, to note that the Ujama project did not work in
Tanzania where people moved voluntarily to the camps.
A similar project was tried out by Obote 1 but failed. Besides, the
Acholi hate IDPs to the neck.
I therefore recommend to whoever is concerned that before SPP is
implemented, it should be thoroughly debated by Gulu, Kitgum and Pader
district councils to generate consensus among the population on how it
can be best be implemented, lest it faces resentment and the anticipated
benefit lost.
The SPP if not well understood by the population risks being perceived as
a plot to keep Acholi permanently in camps and this could escalate the
rebellion.
Richard Komakech Balmoi,
MUK
