Police in Adjumani district on Thursday afternoon stopped Members of Parliament from Acholi Sub-region from visiting the contested Apaa area claimed by both the Acholi in Amuru district and Madi in Adjumani district.
The MPs were blocked by security personnel deployed at the checkpoint at the border between Amuru and Adjumani districts, though the officers could not give convincing reasons to the MPs.
The police officers instead asked the Acholi MPs to consult with the security structure and political leadership in Adjumani district.
Christopher Komakech, the Aruu County member of Parliament wondered how the heavily deployed police officers are able to block the legislators, yet they can not protect people living in the contested area of Apaa.
Jennifer Aryemo a resident of Corner Junction, Apaa area alleged she was beaten by the security personnel deployed at the border between the two worrying districts, leaving her with bruises on her buttocks.
Aryemo further alleged that several members of the communities from either side of the two districts of Amuru and Adjumani have been beaten sometimes by the security operatives.
According to Aryemo, when the attackers strike, the security personnel on several occasions, are adamant to respond immediately.
Abraham Opiru, a resident of Apaa said that the latest attacks targeted two settlements where one of the camps, in Paka-Paka, leaving over 200 houses razed down.
Stephen Odong Latek, the Amuru Resident District Commissioner when contacted to comment about the refusal by the police to let the MPs visit the contested area, he denied knowledge of the MPs visit.
Latek advised the MPs to consult their counterparts from Adjumani district, a move protested by the leaders.
Anthony Akol, the Chairperson of Acholi Parliamentary Group-APG and also the Kilak North Member of Parliament in Amuru District where Apaa was curved out, alleged that the attack in which the houses were burnt was organized by workers of Zoka Central forest Reserve in Adjumani district.
Benon Byamukama, the Adjumani District Police Commander said the leaders were blocked following intelligence information, indicating that the MPs wanted to incite the community members.
On the recent attacks, Byamukama said 86 houses were razed and that manhunt for the perpetrators has been launched.
https://thecooperator.news/acholi-youth-ask-museveni-to-intervene-in-apaa-land-dispute/
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