Adjumani, Uganda: Three people have been killed and others injured following a violent inter-community clash involving members of the Acholi and Madi communities in Adjumani District, raising fresh concerns over ethnic tensions in the region.
The deadly confrontation occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Rubangabini Village, Ofu East, Okusojoni Sub-county.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, the violence broke out when a group of unidentified individuals, suspected to be from the Acholi community, clashed with residents from the Madi community.
The attackers were reportedly armed with traditional weapons, including bows, arrows, and pangas.
Police confirmed that three people lost their lives in the attack, who have been identified as: Abiria Annah, 48, from Acimari East, Ewafa (Obongi District), Unzia Susan, 56, from Acimari East, Ewafa and Mamawi Carolino, 64, from Onyire Afoji, Moyo District (body yet to be recovered).
Authorities said the third victim’s body is believed to be in the Zoka forest area, with search operations ongoing.
At least two people sustained injuries during the violence. One of the injured, Moroga Pastore, a 50-year-old peasant farmer from Iyiri Village, is currently receiving treatment at Adjumani General Hospital.
Security forces, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), responded swiftly to the scene. Five suspects armed with bows and arrows were arrested and are currently in custody to assist with investigations.
Police officers from Adjumani Central Police Station and the Sub-County Criminal Investigation Office visited the scene, documented evidence, and launched inquiries into the incident.
The bodies of the two female victims were recovered and taken to Adjumani General Hospital for post-mortem examination.
In the aftermath of the violence, local leaders and security officials have urged both communities to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful conflict resolution. “We appeal to all community members to remain calm, avoid retaliation, and work with leaders to restore peace and harmony,” police said in a statement.
Authorities have also called on residents to provide any information that could aid investigations and prevent further escalation.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between communities in parts of northern Uganda, often linked to disputes over land, resources, and historical grievances.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of assault, murder, and violent disputes remain among the leading causes of death in communal settings, despite an overall 10.2% decline in national crime rates.
Security agencies have warned that the use of crude weapons in such clashes increases the risk of fatalities and retaliatory attacks.
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