UGANDA, Apaa | Real Muloodi News | In a tragic turn of events, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Sgt Dominic Vudriko Aluma, met a violent end after being beaten by an angry mob in the contentious Apaa land, at the centre of a long-standing dispute between communities in Amuru and Adjumani districts.
The incident unfolded on Friday morning when Sgt Aluma, attached to the 501 Brigade, allegedly invaded Tekwi village, Labala parish, Pabbo sub-county in Amuru district.
Reports indicate that the soldier, accompanied by about six men from the Madi community, had been issuing threats to the Acholi community, demanding they vacate the area.
Charles Okoya, the Apaa village chairperson, revealed that the deceased and his accomplices had harassed a local farmer in one of their invasions, resulting in injuries.
Richard Odongkara, the injured farmer, is currently receiving medical treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu City. The simmering tensions reached a boiling point when community members retaliated against the intrusion.
Local accounts suggest that Sgt Aluma and his group were rounded up by the angered community and subjected to mob justice.
Okoya emphasised the longstanding concern raised by locals about soldiers dressed in civilian attire being involved in the conflict. He called for a thorough investigation by the army into the incident.
Col Deo Akiiki, UPDF deputy spokesperson, explained that the deceased soldier had been on past leave before joining the Madi community on the day of the incident.
Akiiki identified Geoffrey Opiyo, 28, as the deceased’s accomplice, who hails from Linguru village, Bobori parish, Pakele sub-county in Adjumani district.
According to Akiiki, the situation escalated when four unknown assailants from the Madi community attacked Richard Odongkara, injuring his left ribs.
In response, the Acholi community mobilised and took matters into their own hands, subjecting two individuals of Madi origin, including Sgt Aluma, to mob justice.
Security personnel deployed at the disputed Apaa boundary checkpoint intervened, rescuing the two men.
Despite being rushed for medical treatment, Sgt Aluma succumbed to his injuries. Col Akiiki assured a comprehensive investigation by the UPDF and sister security agencies to determine the soldier’s involvement and the circumstances surrounding his demise.
The incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing Apaa land conflict, which flared up just two weeks prior, resulting in nine deaths and numerous injuries.
Leaders from Acholi have vehemently called for immediate government intervention to quell the violence and address the longstanding issues at the heart of the Apaa land dispute.
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