Tribal Inter-marriages enhances peaceful co-existance.

 In front is Jeff of KALI taking notes on different cases of conflicts in Kicheche community-Kamwenge district.

The meeting started with prayers,introductions,welcoming remarks from the groups leaders,communication from KALI team then finally discussion on the group experience  on conflicts in their homes and the community at large. The meeting was held at Kicheche health center III and was attended by 31 members.

This group has lasted for 9 years, some members living with virus for over 15 years on ARVs. They keep; goats, Bee hives (apiary), coffee farming and savings on small scale. 

On issues of conflicts in the community;

The group members ascertained that Kicheche community and her neighboring sub counties are occupied by many tribes but harmoniously leaving together. There have not been conflicts related to tribal clashes.  The group outlined;

1.   Formal education as a means that helps people to understand the need for living together.

2.   Inter-marriages among the different tribal dynamics has helped in peaceful co-existence in the communities.

3.   The role of church & other religions in promoting peace in the community has helped in stopping the would be conflicts.(Catholic,Anglican,Islam and other religions)

4.   Exposure by most community movers in Kicheche has helped in support strategies of harmonious living. Most people study from outside the district while others have been working in different areas. This has led to high level of exposure on the need for harmonious living.

5.   Increased level of Village community groups especially savings has brought together different tribes as members serving on committees. This has also reduced cases of conflicts in the community.

However, At household level, conflicts are still manifested in various ways

1.   Land conflicts especially on boundaries has led to deaths in Kicheche community

2.   Wrangles within clans resulting from inheritance of land and other family properties. This is one of the key challenges in this community.

Case story; Kahwa Specioza of Nyakabingo village of Kantozi parish in Kicheche Sub County has been constantly harassed by relatives. They do not want her in a house left to her by her late father.

3.   Discrimination of people leaving with HIV/AIDS by other community members.

In this case I; Ahimbisimbwe Jenovia bought her own land,build a house on but neighbours have not given her peace. Jovena lives in Rubona Village of Buhanda sub county.

Case story II; the coffee plants of Restatuta Kasende was cut down by clan members. She was also told by close relative while picking coffee plants from sub county, where are you taking that coffee also?? This is a discrimination statement. Kasende is a member of  PHA group from Nyakatoma village in Buhanda s/c

4.   Increased uptake of alcohol and other associated drugs has left many addicted and finally caused un rest of theft and other associated hooliganism.

Compiled by;

GEOFFREY  BWAMBALE 
Programmes Coordinator - KALI.