By Simon Komakech
The Acholi paramount chief, David Onen Acana has spoken out on the renewed land conflict in Apaa.
In a statement issued last night, Acana sayd: Regardless of all above, if no immediate action is taken to arrest the situation, I will walk to Apaa in protest of the long suffering of the community of Apaa and call on those who care for peace in Apaa to join me.
Full statement:
I have learned with profound shock about the continued killing and destruction of properties in Apaa by people from Madi. The Traditional Leader of Madi and I, together with other leaders had made a lot of effort to bring peace in Apaa but the atrocities continue unabated. The people of Apaa had been reporting about the signs of looming violence in the past few days but those concerned with security matters in Apaa ignored their plea to check the situation. The RDC of Adjumani, Amuru, the police and the army were all informed including the Minister of Northern Uganda but the voices for justice were ignored and instead the force of violence prevailed. The Judicial Commission of inquiry was recently sworn to investigate and give recommendations on the issues of Apaa but it seems there is no respect for them from the perpetrators of the insecurity in Apaa. I call upon the government to take effective security and protection measures of the people of Apaa as we wait for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to begin their work. Continued harming of people, destruction of properties and taking of lives is barbaric and a show intolerance and impunity on the sides of the perpetrators of the Apaa conflict. It makes the people of Acholi and Apaa lose hope in the commission of inquiry and government to protect the rights of our people. I call for justice for the people of Apaa even if there is going to be an inquiry and immediate cessation of hostilities to the community of Apaa and warn those leaders using underhand methods to wreak acts of aggression on the people of Apaa to stop forthwith. Regardless of all above, if no immediate action is taken to arrest the situation, I will walk to Apaa in protest of the long suffering of the community of Apaa and call on those who care for peace in Apaa to join me.
