Leaders from the Madi sub-region have pledged to work together in addressing the long-standing Apaa land conflict, emphasising that the matter should not be viewed as a burden for Adjumani district alone, but rather a concern affecting the entire West Nile.
The leaders made the remarks while calling for unity, dialogue, reconciliation, and collective action among the people and leadership.
Speaking on the matter, the LC5 chairperson of Obongi district, Buga Habib Kemis, stressed the need for a united regional approach towards resolving the Apaa issue.
“As leaders of Obongi, we have agreed to work together as West Nile to make sure that the issue of Apaa is not an issue for Adjumani. This is an issue which affects the Madi sub-region which affects the entire West Nile people.
“For that, we are going to make sure that if there is any problem concerning our people living in that land, we shall make sure that this issue is addressed.”
Buga said that last year, President Museveni agreed to meet them, but up to now, he has failed to meet with the people of the Madi sub-region.
“Since we have now been sworn in, we shall make sure that we have a meeting as the Madi sub-region.”
The LC5 chairperson of Moyo district, Vukoni Jimmy Okudi, appealed to religious leaders and district councils to unite and speak with one voice on matters affecting the region.
“I am appealing to you, the religious people, because you have a lot of influence on our people. And listen to the church, let us join hands together. On the issue of the Apaa land, I am appealing to you, our colleagues. These three councils, I am suggesting let us form a union.”
The union is to address matters where “an issue hits the other” the entire region responds as a single unit. “Because, sometimes when we respond individually our voice may not be sufficient,” Vukoni said.
“The fact is that Apaa is in Adjumani district. Only if there is a brother from Acholi who is a farmer and wants to farm in Apaa, he should accept that Apaa belongs to Adjumani district to continue co-existing peacefully,” the district chairperson stated.
Adjumani District LC5 chairperson, Anyanzo John Ambayo, called for unity and inclusive leadership, saying the district has suffered from divisions for a long time.
“Our district has suffered from division for too long. We are one people with one future. I will work with all leaders regardless of political affiliation to deliver results. I stand for truth. It does not matter who tells me this truth. And I stand for justice and it does not matter, it is for whom and against.
“I am a human being. I will work for humility and for the good of the people of Adjumani and the Madi sub-region. My people, the task ahead is not easy but with unity, discipline, hard work, and partnership, it is possible.”
Member of Parliament for Moyo West Constituency, Alero Tom Aza, urged leaders and communities to embrace reconciliation following the elections and focus on development and teamwork.
He called upon all elected leaders to work in unity and harmony. “We should learn to coexist. We should now forgive and reconcile. Elections are over. It’s time for work and for duty. It’s time for cohesion, for teamwork, for dialogue, for communication. This business of idolising, telling lies, gossiping, and backbiting should stop.”
The leaders maintained that peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation remain key in finding a lasting solution to the Apaa land conflict while preserving coexistence among communities.
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