"Only the Dead..."

While walking, a local fell in step with me. We began a discussion about Gulu, Uganda, the conflict, the current needs of the community. He made a statement that stuck with me, “The conflict is over now for two years.” I thought about this, and although I knew what he meant, that the violence had ended, it seems to me that the conflict is far from over. I asked him what the biggest problem in Gulu region is now. He said, “Land wranglers!” Now that the LRA has left the country many of the 100,000 displaced have returned to—-or have tried to return to-—their homes. It seems that frequently, in their absence, others have occupied their homes. There is little paperwork re. deeds and ownership. Often the outcome of disputes hinges on other returning neighbors who can lend credence to claims. Unfortunately, those who took the land often arrived in groups and have relatives living nearby willing to swear to their rights of ownership. Another issue is that there are times when the property was previously used by the LRA as a camp settlement and the water source has been completely depleted. Without water, the land cannot be occupied.

The courts are crowded to the point of stagnancy with attempts to find resolution to these claims. Wisdom is needed and it seems Solomon is unavailable. Meanwhile, a man convinced against his will remains unconvinced. Should there not be some form of equitable decision regarding these claims, the seed will have been planted for a renewal of open conflict.

Plato said, “Only the dead know the end of war.” As I listen to the sad names of the survivors, as I watch the dismembered walk the streets or drive by the orphanages, I know the truth of that. In the south, the schools frequently send 10% of their students on to government college determined by national testing. Here in Gulu, the numbers are 1 in 60. Boys in school often cannot attend because they are the head of the household and, in this agrarian society, must tend their fields. Girls must take care of babies---their own, their sisters, their mothers—-and have a high drop-out rate. How many generations of Gulu will be affected by that which has taken place? While I feel the need to root out the wrong, I also know that stirring ashes often results in new flame.

In the meantime, last night in Kampala, 65 people were killed by terrorist explosions.