Acholi Paramount Chief Leads Unity March to Apaa: Demanding Justice and an End to Violence

By Kundu Ronald

Gulu, Uganda – In a powerful display of unity and determination, Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II, along with members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, clan chiefs, and hundreds of protestors, converged on Saturday, September 9th, to march to Apaa. Their purpose: to express solidarity and demand justice following a tragic incident that unfolded just a week ago.

Paramount Chief's Call for Justice

Setting out on their journey to Apaa, Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stressed the need for justice and respect for the rights of the victims of the Apaa violence. Notably, he expressed his frustration at the diversion of attention toward a district boundary dispute instead of addressing the human tragedy at hand.

MPs Demand an End to Repeated Violence

Kilak North MP, Hon Anthony Akol, who also chairs the Acholi Parliamentary Group, led a group of MPs to the Chief's palace, delivering a resounding message: "Enough is enough." They decried the repeated killings of Acholi People living in Apaa, highlighting the urgent need for action to halt the violence.

Another MP, Gilbert Olanya from Kilak South, underlined their mission to mourn with those who had tragically lost family members in Apaa, often without perpetrators being brought to justice.

The Long Journey of Solidarity

"We are walking from KKA via Gulu City to Pabbo and straight to Apaa. On reaching Apaa, we may take a couple of days there. We are not happy as Acholi," said Hon Olanya. This march symbolizes not just a physical journey but also a collective resolve to address the crisis.

Government's Failure to Protect

Hon Onekalit Denis Amere, the MP for Kitgum Municipality, expressed his dismay at the government's inability to protect its citizens, calling the situation "very terrible." As an MP and a member of the Acholi community, he and his fellow marchers voiced their collective determination to protest against the ongoing violence in Apaa.

The Apaa Tragedy

The tragic incident that spurred this unity march occurred on the night of August 30th when four individuals fell victim to suspected organized armed civilians. It is alleged that approximately 100 attackers armed with machetes, bows, arrows, clubs, and spears descended upon residents of Bedmot and Lala villages. Their rampage resulted in the burning of at least 34 houses and the destruction of property and livestock. These attackers are believed to have come from within the Adjumani district.

Hon Santa Okot, MP for Aruu South in Pader district, revealed that 29 people have been gruesomely killed in Apaa since the land dispute began in 2012.

Rwot David Onen Acana II's Plea for Justice

Last week, Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II issued a public pronouncement, urging the government to provide justice to the people of Acholi. He rallied peace advocates to join him in the walk to Apaa. In his statement, he condemned the continued harm, property destruction, and loss of life as barbaric and indicative of intolerance and impunity among the Apaa conflict's perpetrators.

Museveni's Commission of Inquiry

President Museveni had recently commissioned a Commission of Inquiry into the contentious Apaa conflict. Led by Rtd Justice Bert Katureebe, this commission was tasked with investigating the matter and providing recommendations.

However, Rwot Onen Acana II spotlighted the commission for its perceived ineffectiveness in deterring the violence in Apaa.

Political Escalation

Last week, while addressing a prayer crusade organized by his daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabogo, aptly named 'Light Up Acholi Land,' President Museveni pointed fingers at politicians, accusing them of escalating the Apaa conflict. He emphasized that boundaries mattered little, as the constitution allowed Ugandans to live anywhere, and hinted at the potential revision of colonial-era maps in the area.

Cultural Office's Plea for Peace

In a recent development, the cultural office-Lopirogo of Madi issued a letter, appealing for an end to demonstrations in Apaa. They expressed concern that such protests could further incite violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue guided by facts to avoid escalating an already precarious situation.

Apaa's Geographic Location

Apaa, the epicenter of these troubling events, is situated approximately 90 km northwest of Gulu City, within the Amuru district. As this region grapples with ongoing disputes and violence, the unity march signifies the community's unwavering determination to seek justice, peace, and an end to the suffering in Apaa.