Security authorities in Kwania district have launched a reconciliation drive aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding unity in communities affected by violence during the recently concluded Local Council I and II elections.

The initiative, spearheaded by the 5th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Keith Katungi, seeks to promote tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among residents who have been divided along political lines.

The first community dialogue was held on Friday at Apire St. John Church of Uganda in Apire Parish, Aduku Sub-county, bringing together local leaders, residents and supporters of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Kwania Resident District Commissioner Richard Arikwanga Noon, who represented Major General Katungi at the meeting, condemned the election-related violence and urged political leaders to take the lead in reconciling the affected communities.

“I was guided by the Division Commander to reach out to the people, listen to their views and assure them of peace and security. I have called upon Hon. Kenny Auma and Hon. Ongu Tar to unite the people,” Arikwanga said.

The dialogue follows a series of violent incidents reported in several villages and parishes during the Local Council elections, leaving some communities tense and politically divided.

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In Apire Parish, clashes reportedly broke out between UPC and NRM supporters during the election of an LC II chairperson. Four residents were shot and injured, while Kwania District Police Commander SP Paul Kadogo and Deputy RDC Abraham Aturu were also injured during the confrontation.

The injured residents were identified as Anna Ekaa and Ambrose Okello, both from Bung-Apire; Fred Olam of Teopok; and Tom Ebong of Alongo Omula. They were reportedly admitted to Aduku Health Centre IV for treatment.

Seven UPC supporters arrested

Police at Kwania Central Police Station arrested seven UPC supporters on Tuesday following the violence in Apire parish.

Those arrested include Tony Otim of Angolenyang, Tom Ebong of Alongo Omula and Patrick Oruru of Teopok. Others are Samuel Otoo, Dickens Ogwal, Nelson Waca and Jacob Ongol, all residents of Apire A Village.

UPC leaders have condemned the arrests, alleging that their supporters are being targeted for political reasons. They also claimed that fear had forced some residents to spend nights away from their homes to avoid possible arrests.

Moses Odwono, the Kwania UPC party registrar, called on security authorities to either produce the suspects in court or release them.

“Security should produce before court all those it is holding or unconditionally release them,” Odwono said.

UPC youth leader Jacob Otidi accused some NRM leaders and the Deputy RDC of using police to intimidate UPC supporters. He warned that continued arrests could affect the NRM’s support in the district.

Kwania District Woman Member of Parliament Kenny Auma Lapat, also called for due process, saying suspects should not be held beyond the period provided for by law.

“They should either release our people unconditionally or produce them before court so that the judicial process can take place,” Auma said.

However, Auma urged her supporters not to take the law into their own hands and called on all political leaders to work together to restore peace in Apire.

“A leader should not divide people. We need all key stakeholders, including the NRM chairperson and local leaders, to ensure that peace is restored in Apire,” she said.

Former Kwania district LC5 chairperson Basil Okello Onac also appealed to political leaders to avoid actions that could undermine peace and stability in the district.

The reconciliation meeting resolved that the detained UPC supporters should either be released or taken to court. It also called for the transfer of Deputy RDC Abraham Aturu from Kwania and demanded justice for the four residents injured in the shooting.

Participants further called for equal access to government programmes regardless of political affiliation and urged leaders from both the UPC and NRM to work together to end political divisions in the district.

The security-led reconciliation meetings are expected to continue in other communities affected by election-related violence as authorities seek to restore confidence, promote dialogue and prevent further clashes.