President Yoweri Kaguta T. Museveni has halted the eviction of families that have allegedly settled illegally on Apaa land located inside East Madi Game Reserve in Itirikwa Sub County, Adjumani District.
The eviction exercise of the illegal settlers was set to kick off on March 15, 2023.
The eviction was announced by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja a fortnight ago while meeting leaders in Amuru District.
However, President Museveni announced this afternoon that the exercise has since been suspended saying the decision to throw out the illegal settlers from the disputed land was reached in 2019.
Museveni however said the decision needed to be reviewed before it can be implemented.
According to the president, the evictions were halted to allow judicial commission of inquiry to ascertain the true owner of the land in question.
He said he will sign an executive order so that the commission can start their work.
Apaa Township has been at the epicenter of conflict between the Madi of Adjumani and Acholi in Amuru over its ancestral ownership.
The conflict has been continuous and characterized by attacks of the occupants with machetes and arrows, torching of grass thatched houses.
Government agencies including Uganda Wildlife Authorities (UWA) and National Forestry Authority (NFA) also claim that the area lies within their reserves.Meanwhile, the president has promised to deal with the persistent problem of illegal occupation of land in Acholi sub region by Balaalo pastoralists.
The pastoralists have also been accused of leaving their cattle to destroy crop gardens, causing insecurity and fueling land conflicts.
Addressing the people of Acholi today at Kaunda grounds in Gulu city. Museveni described the "Balaalo " as indiscipline people.
His Excellency Yoweri Museveni said he will soon come out with an executive order to deal with the pastoralists.
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