Adjumani District Boss Condemns NRM's Apaa Registration Exercise

In October 2017, then Local Government Minister Tom Butime declared Apaa to be under Adjumani District instead of Amuru District, a decision that has continued to fuel disputes in the region.

Adjumani District Chairperson Ben Anyama has criticised NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong for conducting the registration of party members in the contested Apaa land without consulting the district leadership.

Anyama accused Todwong of acting with impunity, arguing that there are no designated voting centres in Apaa.

"It is sending a signal to the Secretary General of NRM, Honourable Todwong, because he also went ahead and registered people in our absence," he said.

His frustration comes amid growing tensions following Kilak North MP Anthony Akol’s announcement that leaders from the region will meet President Museveni on March 13 to seek his endorsement for the creation of Apaa District.

Anyama, who has vowed to mobilise the Madi people against the proposed district, questioned Todwong’s motives.

"But who is this Todwong who will go with his registrars to register people in Apaa when we are not involved? He is really doing things with impunity, and indirectly, they are deceiving the President," he stated.

For over a decade, the 40-square-mile Apaa land has been a flashpoint of conflict between the Acholi and Madi communities.

Todwong defended the registration exercise, stating that their role was simply to enlist party members. "The party and government will decide which district the Apaa NRM party members will belong to," he said.

In October 2017, then Local Government Minister Tom Butime declared Apaa to be under Adjumani District instead of Amuru District, a decision that has continued to fuel disputes in the region.