By Emmanuel Olinga
KARAMOJA
There is heavy deployment of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers along the Katakwi and Napak districts border to resolve the two-day land dispute between the Iteso and Karimojong communities.
The two days conflict is between the Iteso from Acuna Village in Ongongoja Sub County and Karamojong of Napak district.
Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the 3rd division commander, says the conflict escalated on Saturday, 8th March, 2025 resulting in the theft of 13 goats belonging to Teso communities by suspected Karimojong cattle rustlers.
He disclosed that the permanent deployment of UPDF soldiers has been put in place to maintain the relative peace and stability enjoyed in the sub region while leaders from both districts work to resolve the land conflict.
However, Brig. Gen. Sserunkuma condemned some leaders from Napak district for fueling the land conflict. “It’s unfortunate that some leaders are fueling this conflict for their own gain,” he said.
He assured that the UPDF will work with the police to investigate who instigated the conflict, leading to the tribal clashes.
Some local leaders from Napak district with self-interests are accused of fueling the conflict to acquire pieces of land in the area.
The UPDF’s intervention aims to restore peace and stability, allowing the communities to resolve their differences amicably noting that the animal recovery is at 80 percent.
The security operatives have assured the public that they will work tirelessly with the police and other security agencies to investigate the root cause of the conflict and bring those responsible to justice.
Vincent Savior Okwi, the deputy RDC Katakwi said the two communities for the last two days threatened to fight each other but UPDF has arrived to calm the situation.
According to Okwi, the situation escalated after Karamojong community crossed to plough gardens of Teso but they are first allowing the situation to normalize then they can engage both community leaders to harmonize the dispute.
Rtd Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo, Vice President urged the security to remain stabilizing the peace underlining the government’s commitment in restoring peace and stabilizing security as key.
However, she warned people against selling land because it among other factors fueling land wrangle in the communities.
