UPDF’s Col Byaruhanga leads peace mediation to end Apaa Land Conflict

Adjumani, (UG):- UPDF’s Brigade Commander Col. David Byaruhanga has stepped in to mediate the peace process between Acholi and Madi community leaders in a bid to end the decades-long conflict which has led to bloodshed and destruction.

During a calm meeting at the Brigade headquarters in Zoka C on Monday, February 17, 2025, that also included Adjumani DISO Mr Kotevu Henry, DPC SSP Dick Ayesigomwe, Brigade Administrator Lt. Col. Logira, and central government officials Col. Byaruhanga urged leaders to embrace dialogue.

“Land conflicts are complicated and may cause untold suffering on both communities for a long period at the expense of development,” he cautioned.

Col. Byaruhanga assured the leaders that the UPDF would remain neutral, emphasizing that the peace process should focus on coexistence rather than border disputes. “Apaa is in Adjumani district, and that has been determined,” he noted.

Opinion leader Mr Mondia Phillip highlighted the toll of the prolonged conflict. “The damages are enormous, and if the Acholi and Madi want a prosperous generation, the violence must end,” he said. He warned that land disputes benefit only outsiders, who seize opportunities while locals fight.

Acholi business leader Mr. Abiola Pangut echoed the call for peace. “You can own a gun, bow, or arrow, but you will run out of bullets. You will never run out of ideas. Anyone who acquires land through dubious means will never have peace. The Madi and Acholi communities must bury their hatchets and talk peace,” he urged.

Abiola also reminded both communities of their shared history. “Peace is paramount. Our grandfathers built strong social ties, including intermarriages. Many children have uncles in Acholi and vice versa. Let’s not destroy that bond.”

Tessa Laing, Coordinator of the Apaa Peacebuilding Team under the Diocese of Northern Uganda, compared the conflict to others worldwide, emphasizing that resolution is possible. “Many conflicts, from Sierra Leone to Colombia and South Africa, have ended when ordinary people realize they are dying and losing property while the wealthy profit. It’s time to listen and seek a win-win agreement.”

She added, “A peace process is different from court rulings. While courts focus on justice, peace talks foster reconciliation and forgiveness.”

This marks the first time UPDF leadership in the area has directly engaged communities in peace talks. Previous commanders were accused of bias, profiteering from the conflict, and mistreating civilians.

The UPDF Col has since outlined a strategic peace engagement plan, including meetings with local leaders, elders, and MPs from the Adjumani and Amuru districts.

The Apaa land conflict and the surrounding public land in Adjumani started in 2006 when relative peace returned to Northern Uganda following over 20 years of insurgency that was perpetuated by rebels of the LORDS Resistance Army commanded by fugitive leader Joseph Kony.

By the time of filling this report there were reports that a similar meeting scheduled for a grass root dialogue today February 20, 2025, at Eloku(California) was postponed indefinitely as the people from the Madi community did not respond yet over 200 from the Acholi community reported, intelligence reports from the Brigade blames it on Mr Joshua Adibabku, the leader of Madi Community.