UPDF cautions politicians over reckless comments about Apaa land conflict

Through its spokesperson for the 4th Division in Gulu, Captain Kato Ahmed, the UPDF this Wednesday morning addressed sensational claims made by one of the leaders about the ongoing conflict in the region.

Michael Lakony, the Amuru District Chairman, accused the army of laxity in response to the recent wave of attacks that resulted in numerous deaths.

In an interview, he implored the government to "stop the barbaric killings" and prevent the Madi from continuing to attack the Acholi people living in the Apaa enclave.

Lakony attributed the land dispute in Apaa to "greed and a bad heart from the government over the disputed land." He suggested that the reported mineral deposits in Apaa are fueling the attacks on Acholi people. "They (the government) are using the Madi community as a tool to advance their interests," the LC5 chairman claimed.

Captain Ahmed's statement aimed to clarify the UPDF's stance and actions regarding the conflict. It countered Lakony's allegations, labeling them as unfounded and unclear.

The UPDF has made concerted efforts alongside the Uganda Police Force's Field Force Unit (FFPU) to stabilize the affected areas. This strategy includes deploying forces in strategic locations to reduce clashes and prevent further violence between the two communities.

The UPDF spokesperson pointed out that recent incidents of violence occurred not in Apaa itself but rather in areas 30-50km west towards the Nile and 15km northeast in Pakele sub-county. Historically, these locations have been peaceful, with the Acholi and Madi communities coexisting since the 1970s. The statement stressed that security measures in these areas have been reinforced, with additional forces deployed to ensure peace and order.

The press release also included a warning to politicians against exploiting the conflict for personal gain, indicating that such actions could worsen the situation. The UPDF calls on political figures to avoid inciting violence and to strive for peace between the communities.

"We therefore warn politicians to desist from negatively influencing and inciting the innocent, peace-loving communities of Acholi and Madi into bloody clashes," Ahmed stated.

Additionally, the UPDF advises both communities against establishing new settlements away from established defenses, emphasizing the challenges posed by the scattered and isolated nature of existing homes. The statement highlights ongoing efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the security forces, including patrols and periodic rotations.

The joint forces have initiated investigations to identify and address the roles of community leaders in mobilizing violence. The UPDF reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the region and to hold those responsible for inciting violence accountable.