President Museveni has reaffirmed that the longstanding Apaa land conflict between residents of Adjumani and Amuru districts will be resolved through the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established on April 3, 2023.
The President’s remarks come in the wake of renewed clashes that recently left five people dead, including a UPDF officer.
Speaking as the chief guest during the Peace Day Celebrations held at Yumbe Bomah Grounds in Yumbe District on Saturday afternoon, Museveni said he plans to meet Members of Parliament from the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions.
"I will meet with Members of Parliament from both the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions, but let it be clear—the real resolution will come from the findings and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry," the President said.
He warned leaders from both districts that individuals inciting violence over the Apaa issue will face the full force of the law.
“To those of you causing unrest over Apaa, you will not go scot-free. Know this: we have other border challenges—with South Sudan, Congo, and Tanzania—and we intend to resolve all of them through proper verification and demarcation processes,” Museveni warned.
Describing the Apaa land issue as an internal border matter between the Ma’di and Acholi communities, the president noted that some individuals are manipulating the situation for personal gain.
“There is a real problem, and unfortunately, some people are playing games with it. We have already appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate and resolve the matter,” he said.
Museveni also revealed that he accessed satellite archives dating back to 1985 to verify historical land data concerning Apaa, asserting that misinformation would be exposed.
“I went to the satellite archives and retrieved detailed information from as far back as 1985 about that area. Let me warn—if this issue is not handled properly, some people may end up in jail,” he cautioned.
In efforts to restore calm, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, announced the deployment of more soldiers in the Apaa area.
“We have arrested fifteen people for inciting violence and land grabbing in East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve, and we are hunting for more suspects,” Maj. Gen. Busizoori revealed.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry, chaired by former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, was tasked with investigating the complex land dispute, including issues of ownership, boundary demarcation, casualties, and displacement.
Other members include Joyce Gunze Hasasa, Dr. Fred Henry Bateganya, lead counsel George Omunyokol, and secretary Imelda Adongo.
Despite being given a six-month mandate, as of April 2025, the commission has neither held public hearings nor released any findings, prompting frustration among local leaders and raising doubts about its effectiveness.