Gulu City, Uganda: The Pageya Chief’s Rwot Yusuf Adek’s mediation efforts have brought renewed hope to the Apaa residents, fostering dialogue and cooperation among disputing parties. This initiative marks a crucial step towards resolving the longstanding conflict, promoting peace, and unity in the region.
This meeting, held by Rwot Yusuf Adek and Pageya chiefs, aimed to address the plight of Apaa residents who had fled their land amid escalating tensions. The gathering provided a platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and finding solutions to the crisis that had displaced many people
Security personnel have imposed a curfew in parts of the disputed Apaa region following fresh tribal clashes that have claimed two lives and left two others injured in separate incidents to help in reducing the conflict
Rwot Yusuf Adek, the chief of pageya, made an appeal to the Apaa residents, assuring them of his commitment to restoring peace in the troubled region. “We want peace to rain down on Apaa,” he declared. “It’s time for the Madi and Acholi communities to put aside their differences and work towards a harmonious coincidence.”
The Rwot said he is dedicated to ensuring the ending of killings and violence that had Troubled Apaa for far too long to come to an end. He emphasized his readiness to engage with both communities, to listen to their concerns, and to work tirelessly towards finding a lasting solution.
“We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can live without fear,” Rwot Yusuf Adek assured the residents. “Let’s work together to build bridges, to foster understanding, and to bring peace to Apaa.”
Adek further reassured the residents that their safety and well-being were his top priority. His words brought hope to the community, and his leadership offered a glimmer of promise for a more peaceful future.
“We understand your fears,” the Chief assured them. “But we want you to know that we are committed to creating a safe and peaceful environment for all.”
Gilbert Olanya, Member of Parliament for Kilak South, has urged the government to directly engage with the Apaa community to resolve the land ownership dispute that’s claimed numerous lives. Frustrated by the ongoing violence, Olanya emphasized that the government has the power to intervene but has remained silent.
“We’ve repeatedly raised these issues in parliament, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” Olanya lamented. “The government must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take concrete steps to address the conflict. It’s imperative they work with the community to prevent further bloodshed
Olanya added that Apaa is part of Amuru, until the government takes decisive action to address this issue, the two communities will continue to clash,” Olanya emphasized. “It’s high time we put an end to the conflict
Gilbert appealed to the government to cease arresting Apaa residents over a YouTube video showing people carrying arrows, as this approach could mitigate the conflict.
“It’s apparent that the government is only interested in arresting people from Apaa, while those from Madi are left untouched,” Olanya lamented. “We urge the government to remain impartial and ensure justice is served. We are human beings deserving of fair treatment.
Solinda Aculo, a resident of Apaa, has appealed to the President of Uganda, urging him to personally intervene in the longstanding land conflict that troubled the community of Apaa for years. “It’s only the President who can bring peace to Apaa,” she emphasized.
Aculo pointed out the government’s efforts to promote peace in other African countries, such as South Sudan, and asked why similar attention couldn’t be given to Apaa.
“If the government can deploy security personnel to help bring peace to other countries, why can’t they prioritize ending the conflict here?” she questioned.
Aculo’s appeal also highlighted the urgent need for basic necessities, as the conflict has disrupted farming activities. “We can’t farm because of the conflicts,” she said. “We need the government to provide us with security and basic supplies so we can rebuild our lives.”
Acuma Wilson, also a resident of Apaa appealed to the government, suggesting that granting Apaa district status could be a crucial step towards reducing the ongoing conflict between madi and Achoil community.
“The only way to end the conflict in Apaa is to grant it district status, where everyone can coexist peacefully,” Wilson emphasized. This move could potentially address the root causes of the dispute and promote stability in the region.
Wilson also urged the government to come out straight whether Apaa is rich in minerals, hinting that the presence of valuable resources might be a contributing factor to the persistent conflict. “It seems like there’s mineral resources in Apaa that’s preventing the issues from being resolved,” he said. “We need the government to come straight and tell us whether there are minerals in Apaa.”
In August 2023, President Yoweri Museveni established a judicial commission of inquiry to address the persistent land conflict in Apaa. Despite this effort, the violence continued, leaving residents searching for lasting solutions. The conflict, which began in 2006, has resulted in displacement, death, and destruction, with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local inhabitants at odds over land ownership.
In March 30, 1972, the regime of President Idi Amin issued a Legal Order No. 54 of 1972 decreeing that The Game (Kilak Controlled Hunting Area) Order is hereby revoked (Kilak Hunting Area Revocation Order of 1972).
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