At least ten individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of violent incidents linked to the ongoing Apaa land conflict, which has so far claimed four lives and left several others injured.
According to reports, the first attack occurred on the 8th, when a group of individuals suspected to be from the Madi community allegedly assaulted members of the Acholi community. The incident resulted in the tragic death of a two-year-old child, Agenrwot Patience, and left Okwera Fred injured, burning 6 houses.
Two days later, on the 10th, in the Ofu area, Rubangabini village, Ukusijoni sub-county, a retaliatory attack believed to have been carried out by members of the Acholi community led to the deaths of three people.
The deceased are identified as Mamawi Karolino, 64, a resident of Moyo district, Abiria Anna, 48, a resident of Obomgi district; and Onzia Susan, 57, also from Obongi district, and left Grace and Ajusi with injuries.
The escalation of violence has heightened tensions in the already volatile region.
The Public Information Officer for the North West Nile region, Collins Asea, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are currently in police custody. He added that their case files are being processed in preparation for their appearance in court.
The Regional Police Commander for North West Nile, Joseph Mwesige, warned against acts of violence, including illegal land occupation, intimidation, and destruction of property.
He stressed that security agencies would take firm action against offenders in accordance with the law, while continuing to support peacebuilding interventions in the region.
“When we arrest someone in relation to the Apaa killings, we shall try them in a court martial because they are using dangerous weapons to kill,” Mwesige said
Addressing participants, the 501 Brigade Commander, Nathan Bainomugisha, underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence between the communities, noting that stability and development depend on unity and shared responsibility.
The Apaa conflict is a reminder that peace is not given but built. Today, let’s take another step towards building it together for the sake of our children and generations to come,” Nathan said
The Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) of Amuru and Adjumani Districts, Uganda, reaffirmed their commitment to improved coordination between the two districts, with a focus on preventing further escalation of insecurity.
They called on communities to channel their efforts into productive economic activities and development initiatives.
The district police commander of Adjumani, Herbert Masembe, described them as criminals and barbaric.
“The police and UPDF will continue hunting those who kill others and burn people’s houses, since the incidents, we have arrested people who are with us. If you have someone missing and you are not back home, then approach us and see if they are part of us,” the DPC said
Rashul Bakole, an officer with the Regional Internal Security Organisation for West Nile, says resolving the Apaa conflict between the Acholi and Madi requires the involvement of residents and honest dialogue.
“When you are sitting locally, you are trying to generate local solutions to your local issues here; no one from somewhere should know because they have an interest and they will confuse you more,” Bakole said.
Some of the key resolutions resolved during a meeting convened by the 501 Brigade under the 4 Infantry Division, which was held in Itirikua sub-county, Apaa-Aliwara village, included disarming the communities with their local weapons, registration of all the people in the area, and the need to stop the sale and hiring of land.
Authorities have urged calm as investigations into the incidents continue, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution of the longstanding land dispute.
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