reflections of a an Atesot cultural anthropologist
The hypothesis being that one can tell who the current actors on Uganda’s land scene are by how they answer the question: “What is the value of my ancestors’ graves?” Particularly, in the context of the increasing possibility that one might be forced to value one’s ancestors’ remains and their graves, when a particular kind… Continue reading Value of Ancestors’ Graves
The commercialisation of millet – growing it to sell to ajon commercial brewers - has caused a reduction in the availability of millet for food... And re-allocation of land from production of sorghum for food to production of Epuripur is a form of covert land grabbing which devastates food security in Teso.
It is justified to conclude that just like those cultivation machines, the graders clearing the land for sugarcane plantations, the Minister’s attitude and her speech seemed firmly located within a paradigm that promotes the crushing of my ancestors’ bones in the name of “development”.
"Though they should be earning big from sugar cane sales, the farming communities still exhibit features of extreme poverty and food insecurity. This situation has been exacerbated by the new sugar manufacturers that have set up shop in the region, adding more pressure on arable land." Former GOU Minister, Asuman Kiyinji
There are perceptions that the young generation, which is not keen on the restoration and preservation of cultural values, may use CCOs to mortgage and / or sell land to investors without considering cultural values. This contradicts the customary principles and practices in which land ownership is attributed to the entire community, including the ancestors, those who are currently living on the land, and future generations.
