UPDF deploys heavily, Intensify Operations after fresh Apaa attacks

By Tolit Ivan

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces UPDF  deployed heavily and intensified day and night operations within the villages of  Apaa Township, a strip of land located at  borders between Amuru and Adjumani to secure the community following fresh violence clashes between the Acholi and Madi Ethnic groups that left three  people dead.

On Wednesday last week,  over 100 men armed with bow and arrow from the Adjumani side allegedly ambushed the Apaa community who were opening the Juka center –Goro B –Apaa community access road for children to access school.

However, the community members who were opening the road retaliated in self-defense leading to the killing of three  people out of those   who ambushed.

The three bodies are still at Adjumani District General Hospital pending postmortem and identification by the relatives.

As a result, the UPDF has deployed heavily in the area and intensified operation to secure the place  as government forges a way out.

While addressing the Community of Apaa Township Thursday afternoon Brigadier General Bony Bamwiseki, the Fourth Division Commander assured the community of their safety and said UPDF will be on the ground, patrolling both day and night to ensure that life returns to normalcy.

He  directed the Army officers deployed on the ground not to allow more attacks but  must deal with attackers who are killing the community in Apaa.

Bamwiseki said they will not allow any  kind  of injustices to continue happening and warned that anybody caught will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.

Since 2012, Apaa has been a hotbed of violent clashes between the Acholi and Madi ethnic groups with each claiming rightful ownership of the strip of the fertile piece of land that is estimated to be around 29 square miles.

The land dispute between Acholi and Madi, which started in 2012, has claimed  lives of four more people.