UGANDA, Apaa | Real Muloodi News | In a bid to address escalating Apaa land dispute, tribal clashes and environmental concerns, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have ordered the immediate eviction of at least 40,000 illegal settlers.
Brig Michael Kabango, the UPDF 4th Division commander, announced the forceful eviction during a gathering at Zoka C Centre in Adjumani District, emphasising the need to vacate the disputed land due to illegal activities, including commercial charcoal production.
Brig Kabango stated that those who settled illegally in the area between 2014 and 2023 would be affected by the eviction.
He cited a recent surge in population, revealing that the numbers had swelled from 40,000 to over 80,000 within the past four months, placing significant strain on the local forest and game reserve.
The disputed land in Apaa is claimed by the Adjumani and Amuru districts, as well as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The UPDF’s decision to evict the settlers precedes the activities of a commission of inquiry into the Apaa land conflict, chaired by former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe.
President Museveni established the commission in April 2023 to investigate and resolve the conflict involving UWA, Acholi, and Madi communities in Amuru and Adjumani districts.
While the UPDF’s move was met with requests for a grace period from some settlers to harvest their crops, Brig Kabango emphasised that the encroachers had become a security threat in the region.
The enforcement of the eviction will target those settled within the conflicted area, including game reserves and forest reserves.
Brig Kabango revealed that the UPDF had established a team of 20 leaders from the Madi and Acholi communities to facilitate the identification and verification of encroachers who settled in the area since 2014.
The army also expressed its intent to destroy charcoal, wood, and timber products in Apaa, in line with President Museveni’s executive order against commercial charcoal burning.
Recent clashes in the Apaa area have resulted in the displacement of at least 10,000 people, with three individuals losing their lives in attacks.
The victims, including Amos Byaruhanga, Richard Kabasa, and an unidentified person, were burnt to death in their homes on December 9 by suspected attackers from the Madi community of Adjumani District.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbadi, visited Apaa late last month to assess the situation and emphasised the need to address the root causes to ensure peace for the affected communities.
The chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol, supported the UPDF’s eviction move, stating that the presence of non-natives could mislead the commission of inquiry.
The Apaa land conflict, marked by a history of attacks, forced evictions, and violations, has been a longstanding issue.
Various committees and commissions have been formed to address the conflict, with the latest commission, chaired by retired Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, currently investigating its causes in Northern Uganda.
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