Leaders in Adjumani district have issued a stern warning, threatening to withdraw their support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government if Parliament approves the proposal to create Apaa as a separate district.
The warning was issued in response to a proposal made by Akol Anthony, the Member of Parliament for Kilak North Constituency, who previously ran for office under the Forum for Democratic Change.
Akol reportedly conditioned his NRM defection on the government’s approval of Apaa as a district. His proposal has gained traction, with support from Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
Leaders reject the proposal
However, Adjumani district leaders have strongly opposed the move, claiming that they were never consulted about it. Kaijuka Richard Aka, the district’s Vice LC5 chairperson, has condemned the proposal as unlawful.
“The honorable MP for Kilak North convinced the Speaker of Parliament to push for the creation of a district out of Adjumani without informing us. This issue was taken to the floor of parliament without consulting the leadership of Adjumani district,” Kaijuka stated.
The frustration among district officials has grown, with some leaders vowing to take action. Drichi Charles, the district councillor for Pakele town council, expressed disappointment in the NRM government, asserting that the people of Adjumani would resist any attempt to split their land.
“Who is this MP that suddenly demands the creation of a district? What is happening to the NRM government? We, the youth, have had enough of this intimidation. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that today’s council resolutions reach the highest authorities,” Drichi declared.
Threats to withhold support for NRM
The opposition to the district’s creation has also taken on a political dimension. Amechi Gabriel, the male representative for Pachara sub-county, warned that if the plan is implemented, the people of Adjumani and the Madi sub-region will no longer support President Museveni.
“The committees set up by the president himself confirmed that Apaa is eight kilometers deep within Adjumani. If this government continues to ignore that fact, we, the people of Adjumani, boldly declare that we will not vote for Museveni in 2026–2031, no matter what,” Gabriel vowed.
Legal action against the government
Taking the resistance a step further, Anyama Ben, the Adjumani district LC5 chairperson, threatened legal action against the government if their concerns were not addressed.
“It must be made very clear to the NRM government that those currently living in Apaa are there illegally. We are giving the government one month to remove them or return the land to Adjumani. If this is not done, the district will sue the NRM government on behalf of our people,” Anyama stated.
The dispute over Apaa’s boundaries has been ongoing, with President Museveni appointing a Commission of Inquiry in 2024 to look into the matter. Despite previous declarations that Apaa is located in Adjumani district, no official report has been released as of yet.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. Will the authorities heed Adjumani’s warnings, or will the dispute escalate, sparking political and legal battles ahead of the 2026 elections?
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