President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the protracted land dispute in Apaa, located along the contested border between Amuru and Adjumani districts.
The President made the announcement on Saturday, 12th April 2025 while officiating the 23rd anniversary of peace in the West Nile sub-region at a ceremony held in Yumbe Town Council.
The Apaa conflict, which has long pitted the Acholi of Amuru against the Madi of Adjumani, has remained unresolved despite numerous government interventions over the years.
“This issue of the Apaa land dispute is an internal border problem between the Madi and the Acholi. Some people are playing games, and that’s why we are going to use a judicial commission of inquiry,” Museveni said.
He warned that; “You need to be careful with it—it is very dangerous because it will try those who are involved.”
The President warned that individuals propagating falsehoods about the disputed territory would be exposed.
He revealed that satellite imagery from 1985 had already been acquired to assist in verifying the original boundaries.
Additionally, Museveni announced plans by the government to re-demarcate Uganda’s borders with neighboring countries, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—particularly in areas facing disputes.
The Apaa land conflict dates back to colonial-era boundary demarcations, compounded by administrative changes and the gazettement of sections of the area as part of the East Madi Wildlife Reserve.
Tensions escalated after the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency ended and Acholi people returned to find Madi residents and government forces asserting control over the contested land.
Over the years, the dispute has resulted in violent clashes, displacement of thousands, destruction of property, and fatalities.
Efforts to resolve the conflict through previous government commissions and local dialogues have largely failed to yield lasting peace.
Recent incidents have reignited fears in the region, prompting the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to impose a curfew following fresh killings linked to the land tensions.
While President Museveni’s directive marks a renewed commitment to address the dispute, residents and leaders from both communities remain cautiously optimistic, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and stalled investigations.
With the launch of a judicial commission, many hope that a fact-based, legally binding resolution can finally put an end to decades of animosity and restore stability to the region.
