The Bamba-Babwisi people occupied about 125 square kilometres of land covering areas near the Saara stream to River Semuliki through River Lamia to the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Some of them settled in areas within Bwamba county, Bundibugyo district.
They were first evicted in 1920 by the colonial government following an outbreak of sleeping sickness in the area. The purpose was to mainly safeguard the population against the outbreak of the epidemic. The land was years later gazetted as a forest reserve.
A second eviction occurred in 1983 by the government of Uganda, then led by Dr Apollo Milton Obote. As a result, some of the Bamba-Babwisi people settled in the DRC, areas around Tokwe sub-county, parts of Tooro, while others have gone to Hoima and Kasese districts, among others.
Now through their association; the Matongo Lost Land Recovery Families Organization, they have petitioned parliament seeking compensation, relocation to their ancestral land in parts of the current national park or relocation to a place where they can live. They argue that the eviction that led to their displacement contradicts international and national laws that govern the people in their rights and freedom on resettlement and belonging.
Cornelius Bacekuru Iniyabho, the chairperson of the organization, says that as a culture and a tribe, they are losing their identity, failing to fend for their families, and scattered across the region. He says personally he is a squatter in a good Samaritan’s land, where he could be ejected as the family grows bigger.
Bacekuru was speaking during a visit by the members of the Natural Resources committee of parliament who went to the area to learn more about the controversies surrounding the settlement of Bamba-Babwisi communities. He said they would not participate in the forthcoming general election if their matter is not handled.
“In fact we are scattered. We were hosted by some friends, some relatives and in-laws. Those without, are exiled in Congo and other parts of the country…It is good that the government is coming in,” Bacekuru said.
Richard Gafabusa Muhumuza, the Bwamba County MP, says that the evictees have suffered for long and over the past 20 years they have petitioned the government, from the presidency to the parliament but nothing has been done to come to their rescue.
“So, chairperson of the Natural Resources committee, these people are relying on you. All these people want is government to have them resettled. Find alternative land for them, for settlement and livelihood. This is their ancestral land, where they were evicted,” Gafabusa said.
The Bamba cultural head, also known as Omudhingiya wa Bwamba, Martin Ayongi Kamya, tasked the government and the parliament to listen to the cries of the Bamba, describing them as a time bomb for the country.
“What can come out of that anger…! A desperate person can do anything. The moment you postpone solving issues, they accumulate and you solve none,” Ayongi said.
Committee chairperson Keefa Kiwanuka said the communities have a genuine concern, which needs urgent attention. He added that they hope to draft a report and make recommendations to parliament on the future of the community.