Amuru district Chairman Micheal Lakony addressing the MPs (chimpreports.com)

 

 

South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) is facing accusations from Uganda for constantly attacking and harassing local farmers and workers at the Atiak Sugar factory in Amuru district.

Amuru District Chairman Michael Lakony made the revelation on Monday during an interaction with Parliament’s Trade and Tourism Committee.

“There is also no clear boundary between Uganda and South Sudan…,” he said. “The Government from South Sudan comes to the plantation and says stop here…the army from South Sudan can cross to the plantation and say this is our land.”

The sugar plant is owned (60%) by Horyal Investments, a Holding Company of businesswoman Amina Moghe Hersi. The other shares are owned by the Government of Uganda.

The plant’s Operations Director Abdi Mohamood Mohammed pointed out during the meeting that attacks on their cane fields are fuelled by unclear boundaries between the two countries.

“When you cross River Unyama, that river right across the factory, you are in the same land boundary with South Sudan,” Mohammed told the MPs.

“Elegu is divided by that river so where the farmers’ gardens are, is in tandem with the land of South Sudan. So they just walk over,” he added.

Atiak Sugar Factory operates 13,841 hectares in Atiak Sub County situated in Amuru District.  Similarly, it has another 31,159 and 15,000 hectares in Lamwo’s Palabek Ogili and Palabek Kal areas respectively.

About 12,900 hectares have so far been planted.

Government through the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) has to date released 54.6 billion to support the plant.

Following the accusations, it remains to be seen how Juba will respond to these accusations.

Last week there was uproar after John Mulimba the State Minister revealed that 15 Ugandans have died in deadly ambushes on major highways to Juba.

Mulimba then cautioned Ugandans against travelling without security escorts.

“It is important to note that the majority of ambushes have occurred to vehicles that did not respect the convoy arrangement as agreed. Honourable colleagues I am requesting you to add your voice on top of that of the Government to urge travellers to respect and use convoys as provided,” he implored.