By Apaa, a region located at the border between Amuru and Adjumani districts, has long been the flashpoint of violent land disputes involving the local Acholi and Madi communities. The area has also seen tensions with government entities such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which claims ownership of portions of the contested land as part of a designated national forestry reserve. According to Wilson Acuma, a member of the Apaa Peace Committee, there is an urgent need for meaningful interventions that can offer lasting resolutions to this decades-old conflict.
On April 2, fresh clashes erupted in several parts of Apaa Township, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes. The violence affected villages including Alok Ki Raa, Gaji, Te Beyo, Wee Yoo, and Lutoya. Many of the displaced, comprising women, children, and men, have sought refuge in Acholiber and Gaji villages. The latest unrest was reportedly triggered on Sunday evening when a group of armed assailants raided the area, torched 17 grass-thatched homes, and brutally attacked 36-year-old Charles Ocitti Kalawinya.
In response to the escalating violence, security forces have enforced a curfew in Acholiber and Ofu villages, where mobilization efforts were reportedly taking place. Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, commander of the Fourth Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), confirmed that the directive is effective immediately. He warned that anyone found carrying bows and arrows a traditional but potentially deadly weapon will face serious consequences.
“While we understand these tools have cultural significance, they are now being misused to harm others,” Maj Gen Busizoori stated.
Authorities believe the conflict is being exacerbated by external land grabbers and illegal charcoal traders. Maj Gen Busizoori highlighted that individuals from countries like Burundi, Congo, and Sudan have infiltrated the region under the guise of engaging in charcoal production but have instead fueled land-related violence.
“These outsiders are making an already volatile situation worse by illegally acquiring and selling communal land,” he noted. “Some even claim to own government land, which is unacceptable.”
He vowed to apprehend all those engaged in illegal land sales and warned that ringleaders inciting violence will be swiftly arrested.
Mr. Peter Taban, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani, assured the public that security personnel from both Amuru and Adjumani districts are now working together to restore peace. He clarified that while Apaa as a whole remains mostly calm, areas like Omolokodi and the outskirts near Zoka are where most incidents have occurred.
He also emphasized the confusion caused by generalizing incidents from different villages as all happening in “Apaa,” when in fact, the violence is often isolated to specific areas.
Police commanders, including Mr. Joseph Mwesige from the North West Nile Region, announced a targeted crackdown on individuals fuelling the conflict for personal gain.
“Some people are taking advantage of this conflict to enrich themselves. We want to make it clear that we will find them, arrest them, and bring them to justice,” Mwesige said during a media briefing.
