Systematic land injustices have disrupted lives across Northern Uganda for decades. Illegal evictions, often orchestrated by state agencies like the National Forestry Authority (NFA), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and other unscrupulous individuals, have left many communities helpless and homeless. Under the guise of environmental and wildlife conservation, these entities grab land without due process or compensation, disproportionately affecting women and children.
Despite the risks, women remain at the forefront of the struggle against land grabs in their communities, embracing nonviolent resistance to assert their land rights. Through the National Land Defense League (NLDL), Solidarity Uganda is empowering these resilient grassroots women’s movements to challenge systemic injustices and reclaim their agency.
A cornerstone of this work is facilitating exchange visits, where women from different communities unite to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their collective resolve. Recently, we organized two such visits in Nwoya and Arua districts, fostering solidarity among women waging similar battles against land grabs.
Learning and Resistance in Nwoya
In Nwoya, the Adaa-Binen Women’s Group hosted the Alebtong Women’s Network against Land Grabbing. Both groups have demonstrated remarkable courage in advocating for land rights, employing nonviolent tactics to challenge harmful cultural norms and practices. These efforts have increased women’s participation in decision-making, access to justice, and property rights.
Santa Acaa, chairperson of the Adaa-Binen Women’s Group, highlighted the transformation these trainings have brought to her community:
“Before we were trained, we couldn’t step on our land because land grabbers wouldn’t allow us. But after learning nonviolent resistance strategies from Solidarity Uganda through NLDL, we fought back and continued using our land. Our unity and persistence have forced some perpetrators to flee.”
Shared Struggles in Arua
In Logiri, Arua District, Adaa-Binen women joined forces with the Lazebu Women’s Association to share strategies for resisting land grabs by the NFA and local land grabbers. Mildred Gasi, a counselor in Lezabu Parish, spoke of their united efforts:
“The people grabbing our land include Mario Kanya and Feta, along with the NFA. But as women, we’ve embraced unity as a powerful tool in our struggle. Solidarity Uganda has equipped us with skills for strategic nonviolence and movement building, which we consistently apply to reclaim our land.”
Jennifer Candiru, another activist, emphasized the devastating impact of land grabs on women’s livelihoods:
"We will suffer if we don't have land; if we do, we can plant crops for food and sell some to pay for our children’s school fees, but life cannot exist without land.”
She cautioned everyone attempting to grab their land, including Feta and Mario, to stop it.
“The land belongs to our ancestors, not your parents, so Feta and Mario, leave our land.”
Resilience and Economic Empowerment
Exchange visits not only strengthen women’s resolve but also encourage them to develop innovative solutions for economic empowerment. For instance, the Alebtong Women’s Network formed the Waribu-Cing SACCO, loosely translated “Let’s Combine Our Hands to Work Together.” This initiative enables members to pool resources, organize solidarity visits, and invest in projects like catering services, which improve their livelihoods.
Ketty Apili shared the significance of the SACCO:
“Through our chapter, we formed ‘Waribu-cing’ SACCO where we mobilize funds to support each other. We use it to organize solidarity visits to our comrades and during the visits, we contribute money to support each group member. Out of our small contributions, we managed to start a catering service, a project that has supported our well-being and improved our lives. This financial independence strengthens our ability to resist oppression.”
Additionally, these women incorporate environmental conservation into their efforts, using SACCO funds to purchase and plant tree seedlings as a symbol of hope and resilience.
The commitment of these women has inspired organizations like CIVFUND, whose representatives joined the exchange visits. William Denis Omara, from CIVFUND, urged the women to remain steadfast:
“I appreciate you for fighting hard to see that you regain your land. I urge you to continue advocating for your land rights and do not give up on the fight against land injustice. You shouldn’t be shaken by the rich perpetrators of land grabs, stand firm and fight them. Do not fear them because your fear gives the perpetrators power over you.”
Land injustice remains pervasive in Uganda, fueled by patriarchal norms that undermine women’s rights to property. However, grassroots women’s movements supported by Solidarity Uganda through NLDL are breaking these barriers. By employing strategic nonviolent resistance, forming economic cooperatives, and prioritizing environmental stewardship, these women are reclaiming their rights, transforming their communities, and inspiring a broader fight for justice.
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