Apaa conflict: Acholi leaders want judicial inquiry expedited

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Political and security leaders in Uganda's northern region of Acholi have urged the government to expedite the operation of the recently established judicial commission of inquiry into the Apaa land disputes involving the Acholi and Madi communities.

This appeal was made on Sunday evening at a press conference in Gulu city after the latest clashes in Apaa claimed two lives and injured four people.

The five-member commission is led by retired Chief Justice Bart Katureebe.

It is tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the Apaa land conflict — which has been going on for many years — and recommend long-term solutions.

However, the commission has yet to begin its primary work, claiming that the government has not appropriated funds to facilitate its role.

Agago North MP John Amos Okot said he hopes that the work of the commission will eventually bear fruit.

Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu city Woman MP and interim vice-chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, said the government should show more interest in Apaa and intervene to ensure an acceptable outcome.

Kilak South MP, Gilbert Olanya, said there is no goodwill from the government to resolve the ongoing land disputes in Apaa. He said that despite severally meeting President Yoweri Museveni as well as raising the issue in Parliament, nothing has changed.

Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, the commander of UPDF's 4th Infantry Division, echoed the politicians' plea to President Museveni.

He urged the President to activate the commission of inquiry for a much-needed lasting solution.

Meanwhile, Aol urged Apaa residents to ditch fighting and seek peaceful solutions that promote coexistence between the conflicting communities.

"I urge our counterparts in West Nile to avoid making statements that incite the people," said the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

On his part, Okot said voicing tribal sentiments only does well to fan the flames of the conflict.

Fellow legislator Olanya said the ban on individuals owning arrows, bows, spears, and machetes in the contested area will help in the restoration of peace in Apaa.