In February 2025, Madi and Acholi people announced an end to the Apaa land conflict.
However, in recent days, hundreds of residents have fled their homes in Apaa town, where Madi (in Adjumani) and Acholi (in Amuru) have long fought.
Gaji, Te Beyo, Lutoya; Alokiraa, and Weeyoo are among the affected areas.
According to local leader Bosco Oryema, at least 17 grass thatched houses in Acholiber parish have been set on fire.
Hundreds of people have sought refuge in Teebeyo and Gaji, with at least 978 camped in Teebeyo. 1,000 had camped in Gaji as of Thursday.
On April 3, 2025, security representatives from various agencies met to strategize how to resolve escalating tensions.
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, chaired the meeting in Gulu and emphasized the importance of “working together as a security task force to ensure stability remains paramount in the area.”
To avoid confrontations, he directed regional security stakeholders to arrest ring leaders responsible for inciting intertribal conflicts in Apaa, as well as those involved in the illegal sale of government land.
Maj Gen Busizoori warned government officials not to violate Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which restricts charcoal burning and trade in the region.
He assured the committee that the issue would be escalated to other relevant government agencies, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, and the judiciary, in order to find a long-term solution to the crisis.
Taban Data Peter, RDC of Adjumani, praised Maj Gen Busizoori’s dedication to enforcing the Presidential directive on charcoal trade, citing its positive impact on reducing environmental degradation and climate change in the region.
SSP Asiimwe Samuel, the Aswa West Regional Police Commander (RPC), urged security personnel to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while carrying out their duties in accordance with presidential directives.
He also warned the public against indiscriminate tree-cutting, which has contributed to desertification in the area.
The RPC emphasized that individuals clearing land for agricultural purposes must obtain permission from district authorities before beginning bush clearance.
Apaa land conflict has been a big issue for the government and the communities of Acholi and Madi.
In 2017, the then-minister of local government, Tom Butime, declared that 40 miles of land would be located in Adjumani, which sparked opposition from the Acholi people.
In what was thought to be a solution to the tension, President Museveni appointed a commission of inquiry in April 2023 to investigate the issues and find long-term solutions.
Unfortunately, the commission, which was funded with shs7 billion, has yet to deliver solutions.
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