- Summary:
- Legal actions have been initiated against five suspects, namely Mawadri Ben, Droma Geoffrey, Okello Reagan, and Otto Dwala, who have been convicted and sentenced by Adjumani Chief Magistrate’s Court and are currently serving their terms at Openzizi Government Prison in Adjumani district.
ADJUMANI: The Uganda Peoples Defense Force and Uganda Police Force, in a coordinated effort, have conducted a joint operation resulting in the apprehension of suspected Madi and Acholi youths linked to the recent surge in violent land disputes between the communities of Apaa and Pakele in Adjumani district.
On March 7th, 2024, during operations in Pakele Sub County, Guma David Mori, aged 40, was intercepted and detained. He was found in possession of 15 bows and arrows in Ageri Village, Mungula Parish, Itirikwa Sub County.
Initial investigations suggest Guma’s involvement in mobilizing, procuring, and distributing weapons to Madi youths, as stated by Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the Public Information Officer for the Four Division.
“Intelligence sources from Itirikwa Sub County have indicated Mr. Guma’s direct involvement in the recent arson attacks and fatalities targeting the Acholi community of Pakele Sub County on February 18th-19th, 2024,” Captain Hassan disclosed.
Further, Okoya Charles Aka (Rwot), an Acholi resident of Apaa, was apprehended for his alleged role in retaliatory assaults on Madi individuals on February 20th, 2024, in Pakele Sub County. Additionally, Mudi Patrick, also known as Dr 45 years, was arrested from Obure Village, Adopi Sub County, Adjumani East, along with Arijua Brenda, 28 years, from Pakele Village, Ola Parish, and Anyovi Sunday, aged 24, from Olia Parish, both from Pakele Sub County.
Captain Hassan revealed that these three suspects were detained based on intelligence linking them to violence against the Acholi community in Pakele Sub County, including the apprehension of Alemiyo Richard, 36, from Pakele Sub County-Zoka area.
“Furthermore, on March 1st, 2024, additional arrests were made, including Edema Alex, known as Fungaroho, Otto Dwala, Tako Luke, Mawadri Ben, Ajusi Jona, Droma Geoffrey, Okello Reagan, and Arijua Brenda,” he added.
Legal actions have been initiated against five suspects, namely Mawadri Ben, Droma Geofrey, Okello Reagan, and Otto Dwala, who have been convicted and sentenced by Adjumani Chief Magistrate’s Court and are currently serving their terms at Openzizi Government Prison in Adjumani district.
“In contrast, Tako Luke, Edema Joseph, aka Fungaroho, Modi Patrick, and Nyovi Sunday, are facing charges of arson and robbery. Their cases are ongoing in Adjumani Chief Magistrates Court,” Captain Hassan stated.
He emphasized that the culprits have been cooperative during investigations, providing valuable information about their networks, aiding in the compilation of evidence for legal proceedings.
“Our joint investigative team remains dedicated to gathering pertinent evidence to address the underlying conflict between the two communities,” he affirmed.
Efforts to restore peace and tranquility in Adjumani continue with ongoing operations to apprehend remaining suspects.
Captain Hassan urged residents of conflict-affected areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the joint security teams to prevent further harm to lives and property.
“In fulfillment of our mandate, our joint security teams maintain heightened patrols and visibility to deter potential threats and violence between the communities,” he concluded.
