Kampala, Uganda – Members of Parliament from the West Nile region have given President Museveni and the government until the end of April to resolve the long-standing Apaa land conflict, which has recently escalated, leaving four people dead, several injured, and many others missing.
Decades-Old Conflict Between Acholi and Lango Communities
The dispute over Apaa land, located near the border of Adjumani and Amuru districts, has persisted for years, with both the Acholi and Lango communities claiming ownership. Despite a 2022 presidential directive to settle the matter, tensions have flared again, leading to renewed violence.
MPs Accuse Government Officials of Fuelling Conflict
Under the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, chaired by Geoffrey Fata, lawmakers have condemned state actors for allegedly exacerbating the crisis. They warn that the NRM government risks losing political support in the region if the issue remains unresolved.
Key MPs speaking out include:
- Jesca Ababiku (Woman MP, Adjumani)
- Dr. George Bhoka (Obongi County)
- Etuka Isaac (Madi-Okollo)
- James Mamawi (Adjumani East)
Threat to Boycott Upcoming Peace Day Celebrations
The government is set to host National Peace Day in Yumbe District next week, marking 23 years of relative peace in West Nile since the LRA insurgency. However, MPs have vowed to protest and boycott the event unless they receive concrete assurances on resolving the Apaa conflict.
Demands for Cabinet Representation
The legislators have also urged President Museveni to appoint West Nile leaders to cabinet positions, arguing that their inclusion would help mediate the ethnic clashes between Acholi and Lango communities.
Call for Immediate Action
The MPs emphasized that failure to address the crisis by their deadline will lead to further political repercussions, including mass mobilizations against the government.
