By Tolit Ivan & Michael Ojok
Major General Felix Busizoori, the 4th division infantry commander has called on the Acholi and Madi communities to resolve the ongoing land disputes in the contested Apaa town ship through dialogue rather than violence.
Busizoori made the appeal during a peace dialogue meeting held in Itirikwa Sub-county, Adjumani District to address renewed conflict that led to loss of four lives, displacement of families, and destruction of property.
He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains the most sustainable approach to resolving such conflicts, urging communities to “fight with the hoes in the garden, not with weapons.”
Busizoori condemned tribalism, describing it as a backward practice that undermines development and encourages communities to channel their energy into productive activities, particularly agriculture.
He also cautioned local leaders against inciting violence or exploiting land disputes for personal gain.
He noted that some individuals are falsely claiming land ownership and misleading communities, thereby fueling tensions.
Apaa Township has long been a hotspot for conflict between the Acholi and Madi communities of Adjumani and Amuru districts over ancestral land ownership.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) have also laid claim to parts of the disputed area.
