By In response to renewed tensions in the long-standing Apaa land conflict, security agencies in northern Uganda have convened to develop coordinated strategies aimed at restoring peace and stability. The high-level security meeting, held in Gulu City, was chaired by Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, and brought together top security officials from the Acholi and Madi sub-regions.
The Apaa land, straddling the border between Amuru and Adjumani districts, has been the center of a bitter dispute for over a decade. The conflict, which has ethnic, political, and land rights dimensions, involves claims by the Madi community of Adjumani and the Acholi people of Amuru. Violence, forced evictions, and loss of lives have marred the dispute, drawing national and international concern. At the heart of the conflict is the question of whether the land falls within the jurisdiction of the Uganda Wildlife Authority as part of the East Madi Wildlife Reserve or is legitimately occupied by local communities.
During the meeting, Maj Gen Busizoori emphasized the importance of unity among security forces to manage the crisis effectively. “We must work jointly as a security task force to ensure stability remains paramount in the area,” he said.
He issued firm instructions to regional security stakeholders to arrest individuals identified as instigators of ethnic clashes and those involved in the unlawful sale of government land, which has fuelled ongoing violence.
Busizoori also warned government officials against flouting the Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which prohibits the burning and trade of charcoal in the region a practice linked to environmental degradation and deforestation. He made it clear that any official caught facilitating the movement of charcoal would be held accountable.
The Commander assured those present that the Apaa conflict would be escalated to national-level institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), and the judiciary to work toward a comprehensive and lasting resolution. The involvement of these bodies reflects the complex nature of the dispute, which involves conservation policies, ancestral land claims, and political undertones.
Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Taban Data Peter, welcomed the commitment to enforce the charcoal ban, noting its significance in protecting the environment and fighting climate change in the region.
Aswa West Regional Police Commander, SSP Asiimwe Samuel, urged all personnel to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while enforcing the law. He also advised community members to seek formal authorization before clearing land for farming, warning against unregulated deforestation which contributes to desertification.
The meeting was attended by brigade commanders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), Division Staff Officers, and Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs). Their collective presence highlighted the seriousness with which the government is treating the Apaa situation.
The Apaa land conflict has persisted despite multiple government interventions, commissions of inquiry, and efforts by political leaders to mediate. Previous attempts to demarcate the land or resettle affected communities have often met resistance and led to renewed violence. As tensions rise once again, the joint security approach may offer a new path toward peace provided it is backed by inclusive dialogue, community engagement, and respect for human rights.
