Calls for land commission probe into Apaa land row

State minister for lands Persis Namuganza: "As government, we condemn the clashes between the two tribes." (Credit: Saudha Nakandha)

LAND CONFLICT

There have emerged calls for the Land Commission of Inquiry to put on halt other land-related matters and immediately attend to the land wrangles in the north that have led to loss of lives.

Speaking during a press conference at the Action Aid Offices in Kansanga, the manager of policy advocacy and campaigns, Fredrick Kawooya said the move would reduce on tension in the area.

"People of the affected areas have a right to peace in their own country," he said.

"The commission of inquiry needs to plant its tools in the area as soon as possible to find out the root cause of the conflict and there after government will find a solution to avoid further loss of lives and suffering of these citizens," said Kawooya.

He further asked religious leaders of the two conflicting groups to swing into action in enforcing unity and forgiveness.

Kawooya demanded government to bring to book the perpetuators of the conflict to enable justice to all people in the area.

The minister of state for lands Persis Namuganza said that government is working to restore total harmony in the area.

"As government, we condemn the clashes between the two tribes [Acholi and Madi]. Regardless of their tribal differences they are Ugandans who are supposed to live in respect of each other."

The minister  defended the Police and UPDF deployment in Apaa as a joint security effort geared toward restoring peace in the area.

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday summoned the Acholi parliamentary caucus to among other issues discuss the land disputes in the area.

The meeting came against the backdrop of history of land tensions, which climaxed last week with attacks on locals occupying the disputed land in Apaa in Zoka village, Adjumani district.

The attacks have claimed at least six lives, 21 severely injured and scores displaced. 

Reports also indicate that over 100 huts were burnt down by unknown people, suspected to be from Madi community.