One killed, 10 arrested over Apaa attack, UPDF warns of tough action

APAA- The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has arrested ten suspects linked to a deadly attack in the disputed Apaa area that left a two-year-old child dead and her father critically injured.

Major General Felix Busizoori, commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, confirmed the arrests during a high-level peace meeting held on April 17 at the 501 Brigade headquarters in Itirikwa Sub-county, Adjumani District.

The attack occurred on April 8 at around 6:30 p.m. in Acholiber Tebeyo. The toddler was killed, while her father, 25-year-old Wilfred Okwera, sustained serious injuries and is currently fighting for his life at a hospital in Gulu City.

Local sources say the assailants were armed with bows, arrows and machetes. Members of the Acholi community suspect the attackers originated from the Madi community, further deepening tensions in the long-standing land dispute.

The Apaa conflict, which dates back to 2011, involves competing claims between the Acholi of Amuru District and the Madi of Adjumani District. Local leaders estimate the area’s population at over 93,000 residents.

Busizoori described the killing as “inhumane and disturbing,” condemning the continued violence as backward and driven by tribalism and poor leadership.

“We cannot tolerate such acts. This hostility must end,” he said.

The meeting brought together more than 500 residents, alongside political, cultural and security leaders from Acholi and West Nile regions. It aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and find a lasting solution to the conflict.

While declining to disclose details of the suspects, Busizoori said those detained were found in possession of weapons including bows, arrows and pangas. He confirmed they are being held in military detention and will face trial in a court-martial.

He warned that civilians are prohibited under military law from carrying such weapons, particularly in conflict-prone areas, and could face up to 18 years in prison if convicted.
Busizoori further revealed that he had received directives from the President to evict residents from Apaa if violence persists.

Despite the tensions, Busizoori urged residents to focus on agriculture and praised the condition of crops in the area. He also called on the community to report any UPDF officers who compromise their duties. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

He cautioned locals against being misled by politicians and alleged that some individuals are hiring thugs from neighbouring districts such as Madi-Okollo and Obongi to forcibly displace residents and profit from land rentals.

Security agencies, he added, are also investigating individuals posing as landlords who are reportedly charging residents sh50,000 for fraudulent land registration.

Despite the tensions, Busizoori urged residents to focus on agriculture and praised the condition of crops in the area. He also called on the community to report any UPDF officers who compromise their duties.

During the meeting, residents voiced frustration over the government’s failure to resolve the conflict.

A 70-year-old elder, Safe Ogik, attributed the bloodshed to greed for land, while Samuel Ocira called for the demarcation of clear boundaries between Amuru and Adjumani districts.

Richard Okwera, deputy speaker of Amuru District, said the crisis has been worsened by leaders exploiting it for political gain.

Adjumani District Woman MP Jesca Ababiku extended condolences to affected families and urged dialogue, while Adjumani East MP James Mamawi questioned the government’s delay in addressing the violence.

Rwot Otinga Atuka Otoo Yai, deputy paramount chief of Acholi, appealed to the President to convene a meeting with cultural leaders, arguing they are better placed to provide truthful guidance than politicians.

Responding to criticism directed at the UPDF, Busizoori challenged leaders to account for the lack of basic services such as roads, schools and health centres in Apaa.

He called on his officers to remain neutral and professional, assuring residents that additional troops would be deployed to restore security.

“We are here to protect all Ugandans equally,” he said.