Govt sends food relief to Apaa land dispute victims

Government has dispatched 600 bags of rice to Apaa land dispute victims as President Yoweri Museveni and Acholi sub region leaders forge a way forward to resolve the conflict that has claimed lives of six people and displaced hundreds.

Minister Musa Ecweru (R) handing over food stuff to Kilak North MP Anthony Akol as Dokolo County MP Felix Okot Ogong looks on. Photo by Godiver Asege

On Friday Museveni summoned a meeting with the Acholi Parliamentary caucus, a move leaders in the area say is geared towards finding solutions to the land disputes that are pitting Acholi against Madi communities in Apaa, Acholi sub region.

On Friday, Musa Ecweru, the state minister for disaster preparedness, dispatched the 600 bags of rice, which are donated by the Chinese Government, to help the displaced people, who he said, are in dire hunger.

"We have sent food, which was meant for the people of Karamoja, to the people of Apaa so that they can survive first, and then follow up the issue of their land later," he said.

Ecweru warned against unnecessary fights over land, saying it is regrettable.

"The North has suffered enough. This is not the time to open old wounds. It is time to recover," he said.

Scores in Apaa were this week left homeless following land tensions in Apaa in Zoka village, Adjumani district.

The attacks have claimed at least six lives and left 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.