Why a Ugandan farmer gave land to a refugee

Issa Agub (L) and the refugee he gave land to
Issa Agub (L) and the refugee he gave land to

In less than a year, a camp in northern Uganda has taken in more refugees than any other in the world, and all of them from war-torn South Sudan.

Here in Bidi Bidi it can take you one hour to drive from one end of the camp to the other. But it is not what you might envisage.

Much of this place is lush, green and fertile. South Sudanese are given a plot of land to build a home and farm. They live next to Ugandans, fetch water together and their children go to the same schools.

Most of the area is government-owned but some Ugandans have chosen to give part of their land to refugees, like 61-year-old Issa Agub.

It is getting late when we arrive at his compound and his family is preparing porridge and beans over a firewood stove to break their Ramadan fast.

"I gave this land because the refugees are already here. I don't see them as strangers I see them as brothers. When I run out of food, they'll be the first people I turn to for help."

 

Mr Agub says he cannot be sure how much land he owns but says he is helping 10-15 families.

 

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Date Published : Friday, June 23, 2017