Working with local police, IJM Uganda investigators have secured the arrest of a woman who has evaded local authorities for several months after violently stealing the home of a widow.

Following the death of her husband in 2005, Judith* was forced to cope not only with the grief of losing a loved one, but also with the betrayal of a family member after her step-granddaughter, who had lived with her from birth, conspired with a cousin to take from Judith her matrimonial home. When Judith returned to her home following a period of illness after her husband’s death, her step-granddaughter forcefully refused Judith entry to her own home, even denying her the opportunity to collect her belongings. Struggling with illness and in her late 80s, Judith lacked the strength to demand the home that was rightfully hers. These stronger relatives followed their theft with repeated violent threats against the elderly woman; Judith’s nephew even threatened her with a garden hoe at one point. Judith had little hope of having her property restored to her when she considered her own physical infirmity in contrast to her young relatives: “Strength is strength,” she explained to IJM investigators.

However, when IJM attorneys helped Judith file a police statement, she found new hope for the return of her property. The police arrested her nephew, who, after his release on bail, agreed to appear for mediation and promised to bring Judith’s step-granddaughter with him.

Through the hard work of IJM Uganda and the cooperation of police, Judith received official documentation in February 2007 stipulating that she was the lawful widow of the deceased and entitling her to residence in her home. The following month, the police went to Judith’s home with the goal of restoring her rightful place in her home. Judith’s homecoming was a joyful event, shadowed only by the fact that her step-granddaughter had gone into hiding to avoid arrest.

In recent days, the victory of Judith’s homecoming was made complete when Ugandan authorities apprehended her step-granddaughter. The young woman, aided by unscrupulous local leaders, had been evading police for several months when IJM investigators located her. She has been placed under arrest and will face criminal charges for her cruel treatment of Judith, who is now secure in her home.