Adjumani, Uganda – The ongoing land dispute over Apaa, a region located in Adjumani District, has intensified as local Members of Parliament (MPs) voiced their outrage over the proposed degazetting of the land to facilitate the creation of a new district. Adjumani's political leaders have warned that they are prepared to go to extreme lengths, including taking up arms, to defend the land, which they insist will never belong to Amuru District.
The controversy erupted after Kilak North MP Hon. Akol Anthony made a statement during a fundraising event in Pabo Town on February 15, 2025. Akol, who had switched his political allegiance from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), publicly called for the creation of a new district from Apaa land. His remarks were made in the presence of Parliament Speaker, Hon. Anita Among, and have been viewed by many as inflammatory and dangerous, given the historical tensions in the region.
Adjumani Woman MP Hon. Jesca Ababiku expressed deep concern over Akol's rhetoric, warning that his demands could lead to violence in an already volatile area. She stated that the people of Adjumani are prepared to take bold action, including physical confrontation, to prevent the land from being handed over to Amuru District. According to Hon. Ababiku, Acholi leaders, including MP Akol, are attempting to claim Apaa land for personal political gain, despite evidence that Apaa is situated 8 kilometers within Adjumani District.
“There’s no question that Apaa belongs to Adjumani, and we will not stand by as others seek to take it from us for their selfish agendas,” said Hon. Ababiku during a press conference on March 9, 2025, in Adjumani. “We are ready to go bare-knuckle in defense of our land. We will not allow our land to be used for political bargaining.”
The conflict dates back to 2018, when Acholi leaders were decisively defeated in an attempt to forcibly take Apaa during the Battle of Gorobi River. The ongoing dispute has seen claims of political manipulation and land grabbing involving high-profile figures, including Lt. Gen. Otema Awany and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong. Hon. Ababiku strongly criticized Todwong’s involvement in registering NRM voters in Apaa without consulting Adjumani leaders.
“We are aware of the behind-the-scenes maneuvers to take Apaa land for political leverage, but we will not let them succeed,” she said.
MP Ababiku also highlighted the inconsistencies in President Yoweri Museveni's stance on Apaa land, noting that while he once declared Apaa to be part of Adjumani, recent military actions by UPDF forces in the area seem to contradict this position.
Hon. Mamawi James, MP for Adjumani East, joined the growing chorus of dissent, describing Akol’s proposal as a desperate attempt to regain political favor. He warned that the issue of Apaa land is not one to be taken lightly, cautioning that further political maneuvering could lead to widespread conflict in the region.
“We will not allow our land to be the pawn in someone else’s political game,” Hon. Mamawi said. “The leaders pushing for this must understand that they are courting disaster. History shows that in such battles, the righteous always prevail.”
The situation has also drawn criticism from the local Adjumani District Council. On March 6, 2025, the Council unanimously condemned the actions of UPDF Brigade Commander Col. David Byaruhanga, accusing him of forcibly evicting hundreds of families from their land in Apaa and siding with Akol’s political agenda. Col. Byaruhanga’s actions, including the destruction of homes and the obstruction of farmers from accessing their land, have sparked outrage in the community.
Adjumani District Chairman Mr. Anyama demanded that Col. Byaruhanga be removed from the area, issuing an ultimatum for government authorities to resolve the land issue or face further unrest. He expressed deep frustration with the government’s failure to address the long-standing Apaa conflict, stating that if necessary, he would mobilize the local community to take matters into their own hands.
“Apaa is part of the East Madi Wildlife Reserve, and it will remain part of Adjumani,” said Mr. Anyama. “If the government does not take decisive action within one month to evict illegal settlers, we will not hesitate to take matters into our own hands.”
The government’s previous efforts to resolve the Apaa conflict, including a 2023 decision to peacefully evict settlers, have been marred by political interference and delays. Despite the issuance of an ultimatum by the Prime Minister to peacefully resolve the issue, President Museveni’s unexpected reversal of the decision has left the matter unresolved.
The legal framework for the creation of new districts in Uganda mandates that such changes can only be made with the support of Parliament and the affected district councils. However, the actions of MP Akol and his allies have raised serious concerns about the potential abuse of political power and the disregard for legal procedures in the process.
As the situation in Apaa continues to escalate, the people of Adjumani remain resolute in their determination to defend their land. The conflict has now become not just a local issue, but a symbolic fight for justice, fairness, and the right to self-determination in the face of political maneuvering.
The ongoing conflict over Apaa serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted land disputes in Uganda and the complexities of balancing political ambition with the rights of local communities.
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