Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /usr/www/users/urnnet/a/story.php on line 43 Apaa Clashes: MPs Demand Fresh Demarcation Exercise :: Uganda Radionetwork
Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South MP, says the violence escalated after the demarcation exercise. He says although the disputed areas could fall in any of the districts, he says this shouldnt make people leave in disharmony since any Ugandan is entitled to live anywhere.
Members of parliament from Amuru district have called for a fresh demacatting exercise of the disputed Amuru-Adjumani boundary in Apaa, saying the first exercise was marred with irregularities.
In 2015, Government planted mark stones in Apaa Village in Amuru district as it demarcated the boundaries between the two neighboring districts amidst protests from Amuru residents.
They claim that the mark stones were planted 31 kilometers inside Amuru district. More than 21 people were injured when police used live bullets to disperse those opposed to the demarcation exercise. Two youths had their hands amputated after the scuffle.
However, the conflicts between the two communities over the boundary haven't stopped. In March this year, armed security men torched over 100 grass thatched huts in the area forcing hundreds of residents to flee.
Reports indicate that the displaced persons have moved to the nearby Punu dyang village for seek safety. Lucy Akello, the Amuru Woman MP blames the continuous violence in the area on the failure to respect people's rights to land. According to Akello, Amuru residents were sidelined when the boundaries were being demarcated.
She says there is need to conduct a fresh exercise involving all parties.
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Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South MP, says the violence escalated after the demarcation exercise. He says although the disputed areas could fall in any of the districts, he says this shouldn't make people leave in disharmony since any Ugandan is entitled to live anywhere.
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Jessica Ababiku, the Adjumani Woman MP advises the legislators to petition if they want to challenge the government decision. She says there are two pieces of land under contention, one in the reserve and one that is in Adjumani.
She sayss Government cannot allow people to settle in the reserve, and those who are in the area should abide by the law.
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Recently, President Yoweri Museveni wrote to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah indicating that he would visit the place. According to the Local Government Minister, a study conducted revealed that Apaa is in Adjumani and not Amuru. Reports also indicate thatUganda Wildlife Authority is set to evict over 18,000 residents of Apaa to restore the East Madi game reserve.
