KAMPALA: Members of Parliament from the West Nile Sub-region have expressed deep frustration with the Government’s failure to resolve the longstanding Apaa conflict, despite the region’s consistent support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Some legislators questioned whether this neglect is the reward for their loyalty to the party.
Leading the criticism was Jesca Ababiku (Adjumani District Woman Representative), who spoke during a press briefing at Parliament on Saturday.
She questioned how a government capable of deploying troops to Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo could neglect an internal crisis such as the Apaa conflict.
“Mr. President, we are disappointed that this is how you choose to repay us,” Ababiku said. “As the people of West Nile, we have stood by this Government, yet this is what we are reaping. We demand answers on why this conflict has been allowed to persist. What are you gaining from this? Is this the reward for all the support we have given as a region?”
She continued, “This land is not bread that you can simply exchange. We have supported the NRM government for years, but now it seems you prefer the Opposition in Amuru. You want to give them our land so they can create a district and win elections? We are watching. Elections are around the corner, and this time, things will be different. Our people will not vote until this issue is resolved.”
Ababiku lamented the loss of lives and property, blaming the Government’s lack of political will.
“If the Government truly had the will, this issue would have been resolved. For 14 years, this problem has persisted while the Government focuses on external missions in Somalia, South Sudan, and the DRC. Why can’t it resolve a conflict within its own borders?” She said.
James Mamawi (Adjumani East) directed his criticism at the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), questioning their role in Zoka Forest Reserve amid continued violence in Apaa.
“Our people are dying, yet we have a fully deployed brigade in Zoka Forest Reserve with over 1,000 soldiers. Why are people still being killed under their watch? We hold the UPDF responsible. They are supposed to protect our people and their property. If they have a special mission in Zoka, they need to explain it,” Mamawi demanded.
George Bokha (Obongi County) emphasized the long history of the Apaa conflict, noting its lasting impact on both the health and economy of the affected communities.
“This conflict isn’t new. It has plagued the West Nile and Madi Sub-region for 14 years. People have suffered medical and economic losses, those who should be farming are instead living in fear of the next attack. It has also strained social ties between the Madi and Acholi communities, who share a common heritage,” Bokha said.
Feta Geoffrey, Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Group, accused certain individuals of mobilizing attacks in the area, including the NRM mobilizer in Acholi and the NRM Administrative Secretary of Amuru District.
He questioned whether it was time for the West Nile people to begin protecting themselves.
“Community intelligence shows that these individuals are leading the mobilization behind the attacks. If the Government is serious about resolving this conflict, it must arrest and prosecute them. How can a democratically elected government fail to resolve a 14-year-old boundary conflict with known facts? Is it not fair to ask whether the Government has abandoned its responsibility to protect our people? Should locals now take matters into their own hands?” Feta asked.
