The MP representing Kajo-keji in the transitional parliament has echoed calls to end hostilities in the area to allow IDPs to return home.

A survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration shows that 60 percent of IDPs in Kajo-keji area are currently visiting their homes.

The majority of civilians ¬fled their home areas due to the conflict around the end of 2016 and early 2017into northern Uganda, while others settled in areas forming spontaneous IDP sites.

IOM says the over 17,000 displaced people are currently settled at three main camps which include Ajio, Kerwa and Logo.

Kajo-keji area MP, Hon. Alfred Taban, told Eye Radio that in order for IDPs to go back home, they should not be targeted.

“These people are visiting their original areas. That means they are able to move freely. This is very good. I’m calling for the authorities in the area – both the armed opposition and the government – not to target civilians, but to allow them to return to their home areas so they can live in peace,” said Hon. Taban, who was appointed recently.

Sixty-nine percent of the IDPs who are visiting their homes indicate there have not been any reported or known cases of rape or harassment en route to their area of pre-displacement while, 7 percent indicate there have been reported or known cases, according to the report.

Those who intend to leave cite access to land and family reunification as the main push factors for wanting to leave the current IDP settlement.

Other reasons include security, access to better services and rebuilding their shelter in their place of pre-displacement.

Read full report here.