Adjumani, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In the latest development in the Apaa land dispute, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Sgt Dominic Vudriko Aluma, attached to 501 Brigade, has tragically lost his life after being assaulted by a mob in the contested Apaa region, claimed by communities in Amuru and Adjumani districts.
The incident occurred when Sgt Aluma, accompanied by six men from the Madi community, allegedly invaded Tekwi village, Labala parish, Pabbo sub-county in Amuru district, on Friday morning. “The deceased and his accomplices invaded a home on Friday morning where they harassed a local farmer to vacate the area,” shared Charles Okoya, the Apaa village chairperson.
The deceased and his accomplices were accused of harassing a local farmer, Richard Odongkara, prompting community members to retaliate, resulting in Aluma’s fatal injuries. Okoya highlighted the urgency of a thorough investigation, stating, “We kept telling security that soldiers dressed in civilian attires are involved in this conflict, but no one has been believing us.”
Charles Okoya, the Apaa village chairperson, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the involvement of soldiers in civilian attire in the conflict.
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Col Deo Akiiki, UPDF deputy spokesperson, revealed that Aluma had been on pass leave before the incident, and efforts would be made to examine his role in the conflict. “UPDF will continue to advocate for peaceful co-existence as the matters of Apaa land conflicts are addressed by different stakeholders,” said Akiiki, expressing condolences to Sgt. Dominic’s family.
The UPDF, along with other security agencies, pledged to investigate the incident while advocating for peaceful co-existence amidst ongoing Apaa land dispute. At the time of reporting, no suspects had been apprehended.
This tragic event follows a clash in the disputed Apaa land two weeks earlier, resulting in nine deaths and numerous injuries, prompting calls from Acholi leaders for immediate government intervention to quell the violence in Apaa.
