Curfew lifts, but distrust remains in Apaa’s disputed lands

APAA - The government has eased access to the Apaa area for Kilak North legislator Anthony Akol and Amuru District LCV chairperson Michael Lakony, allowing them to visit and console over 2,000 displaced residents.

The two leaders were granted permission to enter the remote region on April 11, 2025, and hold a rally with affected communities—something that had previously proved difficult due to heightened security restrictions.

While still members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Akol and Lakony had faced roadblocks that limited their ability to access the contested area.

Their latest journey took them from Gulu to Acholiber, where thousands had taken refuge following attacks allegedly carried out by individuals from the Madi community.

At the first checkpoint at Apaa Junction, the leaders were received without resistance, as barricades were promptly removed and security personnel escorted them to Acholiber—an area still under a Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) curfew.

Although the central Apaa trading centre remained calm, the heavy security presence and curfew meant many residents stayed indoors.

Residents had been informed of the visit by local leaders and gathered beneath the shade of a large Afzelia africana tree.

The mood was somber as the community listened to the politicians discuss the protracted land conflict in Apaa, which has persisted since 2012.

The disputed land, spanning roughly 827 square kilometres, is claimed by both the Madi community in Adjumani district and the Acholi community in Amuru district.

The meeting was under tight surveillance by intelligence officials and was secured by UPDF soldiers from the 501 Brigade, with the brigade commander present. All communications were translated for the soldiers, who were not native to the area, to ensure their understanding of the discussions.

Despite the occasion, the leaders faced heckling from the crowd.

Residents challenged them to account for tangible achievements in the region and to explain their recent political shift.

Michael Oloyotoo, chairperson of persons with disabilities in Apaa, questioned the timing of the visit during the campaign season and asked why the leaders had defected to the NRM without consulting their constituents.

Food shortage

Another resident, Hellen Oryem, expressed concern over threats from security forces, including potential arrests for alleged incitement.

“We don’t have food because our hut was burned, and our land is now being cultivated using tractors by intruders. The government must address this issue. Soldiers do not help us; when the Madi attack, they are not arrested, but if we try to retaliate, we are arrested, and now our children are being threatened,” she said.

Geoffrey Komakeceh Olodi, chairperson of Alok ki Raa sub-ward, one of the hardest-hit areas with a population exceeding 300, said the current UPDF deployment was ineffective. He suggested stationing troops along porous entry routes to deter further attacks.

Although some displaced persons lacked food, a large pot of food was being prepared at the meeting venue.

MP Akol apologised to the locals for not visiting them during their most trying times.

“When I was in opposition, I tried to reach out to Apaa many times, but each time my efforts were thwarted by security roadblocks and threats. I chose to cross to the ruling party so our voices could be heard. In opposition, we were shouting, but our voices fell on deaf ears.”

He said his dedication to Apaa’s issues has earned him the nickname “Apaa” among his parliamentary colleagues. He urged residents not to be manipulated by politicians promoting destructive agendas, but instead to unite and seek local solutions.

“Sit down and articulate what you want the government to do for you. If the UPDF detachments are inadequately established, it is our responsibility to raise that concern.”
Akol added that he had discussed the situation with President Museveni, who established a judicial commission of inquiry into the Apaa conflict.

As a member of the Budget and Planning Committee, Akol revealed that Parliament allocated sh7 billion for the commission’s operations in the 2023–2024 fiscal year.

However, the commission has since raised concerns over insufficient funding. A parliamentary standing committee has tabled a report, and if the commission fails to act, Parliament may compel the implementation of its recommendations.

Akol also noted that one possible solution is to demarcate a clear boundary between Adjumani and Amuru district local governments.

He assured residents that Parliament had rejected a proposal to gazette Apaa as a wildlife reserve due to procedural irregularities.

He explained that the matter was first raised in 2002 when people were still living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, making it unlawful to declare the area a game reserve.

The mood was somber as the community listened to the politicians discuss the protracted land conflict in Apaa, which has persisted since 2012. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

Akol suggested that the recent flare-up of tensions may be linked to his proposal to the President to grant Apaa district status, which he said would streamline its administration amid ongoing leadership disputes.

However, critics, including Adjumani RDC Peter Data Tabana, Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, and 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori have dismissed the idea, claiming it is politically motivated and lacks constitutional backing.

Amuru LCV chairperson Michael Lakony urged residents not to allow themselves to be exploited by political actors.

“Some politicians are inciting chaos here, but those of us who understand the importance of family would not wish to exacerbate the situation. Our role as politicians is to talk. We’ve been in opposition, and our voices were not heard, but now we can engage with the soldiers to provide you with security.”

Lakony revealed that the district, in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport, is working on a proposal to open a 180-kilometre security road in Apaa to facilitate UPDF patrols and rapid response to attacks. Feedback on the proposal is still pending.

“If you believe we have not done enough for you, election time is approaching. Please vote us out and elect those you think will serve your interests,” he said.

Lakony admitted that the Amuru district local government has struggled to provide essential services such as education and healthcare in Apaa due to a lack of collaboration with central government agencies. He expressed optimism that their alignment with the ruling party would help address these issues.

Curfews eased

Lakony added that security officials had agreed to allow the movement of tools such as spears, bows, arrows and machetes, which had previously been banned by the UPDF as potential weapons. He advised residents to use these as gardening tools for self-protection but warned against using them to harm others.

Col Geffrey Ocuku, commander of the 501 Brigade, said the UPDF had launched a civil-military cooperation initiative to promote peaceful coexistence between security forces and local communities.

“Please communicate with us, the security forces, and provide intelligence about any strangers in your area so that the soldiers can respond promptly and ensure your safety,” he said.

He promised that individuals who had been wrongfully arrested would be traced and released, while those facing genuine charges would be prosecuted.

“As the UPDF, we are committed to protecting your security. However, we are not allowing you to cross the Zoka River to attack the Madi people. We have established a buffer zone to prevent conflicts between the two communities. I will also discuss the grievances of the Madi people,” Ocuku said.

UPDF in a dilemma

The UPDF has come under criticism from both the Acholi and Madi communities. The Acholi accuse the army of siding with the Madi, alleging that soldiers have escorted attackers into Apaa. Conversely, the Madi claim the army is favouring the Acholi and restricting their access to land across the Zoka River.

On April 10, 2025, 4th Division commander Maj. Gen. Busizoori was booed at a meeting with Adjumani leaders, who accused him of partiality towards the Acholi.

Rising tensions

After a relatively peaceful 2024, tensions in Apaa are rising as the 2025 election approaches. Security sources believe that some politicians are exploiting the situation for political gain.

Locals report that attacks often coincide with planting, farming, and harvesting seasons, worsening food insecurity and deepening economic hardship.

The most affected areas include Alok ki Raa, Oyanga, Bedmot, Tebeyo and Acholiber.
In response, the UPDF has increased deployments in the area. A recent attack left two people dead and four others seriously injured.