Nandala takes campaigns to West Nile, pledges lasting Apaa solution

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi continued his 2026 campaign trail in the West Nile sub-region, holding rallies in Adjumani district on his 43rd day of nationwide campaigns. The stop marked his 70th district visited.

Nandala used the platform to unveil a comprehensive plan to resolve the two-decade-long Apaa land conflict, a crisis that has claimed lives, displaced families, and left deep scars across northern Uganda.

For many supporters who attended his three rallies, the main attraction was his promise to bring an enduring solution to the destructive conflict. 

The Apaa dispute has for years haunted the border between Adjumani and Amuru districts, displacing over 30,000 people, burning homes, and wrecking livelihoods. Despite repeated interventions, justice remains elusive.

On Monday, November 10, as Nandala’s campaign reached West Nile, the issue took centre stage among voters yearning for peace and development.

Patrick Tandrupasi, the FDC parliamentary aspirant for Adjumani West, challenged the presidential hopeful to provide a definitive answer to the land crisis.

“People here are tired. They want roads, schools, hospitals, but most importantly, they want peace. The Apaa conflict has divided families and caused untold poverty. We need a leader who listens,” he said.

Agnes Asala, a large-scale groundnut and sim sim farmer, expressed frustration over the lack of stable markets.

“We sell groundnuts at sh1,200 per kilogram, yet in shops, raw seeds cost over sh6,000. When we buy seeds, they’re expensive, but when buyers come, they act like they’re doing us a favour. We just want markets that give us fair prices for our produce,” Asala told New Vision.

At the same rally, Michael Vuciri from Pakere subcounty spoke about the hardships faced by the elderly and poor.

“The compensation for old people comes after six months, and they only receive sh20,000. That’s not even enough to buy scholastic materials for a month. We also have unstable power, it’s off every day, even now, and life here is dark, literally,” he said.

Addressing crowds at Dzaipi subcounty, Pakele town council, and later at Cesia football grounds, Nandala promised a new beginning based on dialogue and fairness.

“The solution to the Apaa conflict lies in the hands of the people themselves. We (FDC government) shall not dictate. Elders know the true boundaries and what must be done. My government will bring them together to discuss and agree on a lasting solution. Whatever they resolve, we shall implement with fairness and honesty,” he told supporters.

The Apaa conflict, which began nearly 20 years ago, centres on 1,000 square kilometres of fertile land east of the Albert Nile. About 831 square kilometres are claimed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as part of the East Madi Wildlife Reserve, a contention that has led to violent clashes between the Madi and Acholi communities.

While the Apaa issue dominated discussions, Nandala also outlined his broader plans for rebuilding the economy and improving essential services.

He pledged free education from primary to university, school meals to reduce dropouts, and better pay and housing for teachers.

“Our children will not study on empty stomachs, education should not be a privilege for the rich, it should be a right for every Ugandan child,” he said.

On health, Nandala promised to equip hospitals, improve pay for medical workers, and retain skilled professionals currently leaving the country.

Highlighting the region’s agricultural potential, he vowed to revive cooperative unions and set up cooperative banks offering interest-free loans to farmers, youth, and small business owners. He also pledged to promote value addition for crops such as groundnuts, coffee, and sim sim.

Additionally, Nandala said his government would invest sh10 trillion over five years to tarmac major road networks across the country to boost access to markets and services.

The rally was attended by FDC deputy president for northern Uganda, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, who praised Nandala’s leadership and urged voters to embrace change.

“Uganda needs fresh blood and new ideas. The FDC’s economic recovery plan focuses on strengthening local production, improving service delivery, and reducing inequality,” Fungaroo told New Vision.

Govt efforts to end the Apaa conflict

The NRM government has made efforts to resolve the Apaa dispute. President Yoweri Museveni has over the years, held meetings with Madi and Acholi leaders, urging peaceful coexistence. However, deep mistrust and unresolved ownership disputes continue to fuel tension.

The Parliamentary Committee on Lands and the Office of the Prime Minister have conducted fact-finding missions and proposed compensation for affected households, though many residents say the recommendations remain unimplemented.

Government has offered alternative land in Zoka and Itirikwa for resettlement, but locals insist that Apaa is their ancestral home. Security forces have frequently been deployed to maintain order, though their presence has often been met with accusations of harassment and heavy-handedness.