The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned communities in Karamoja and Teso against using violence to settle land disputes, saying the conflicts threaten peace and development in the two sub-regions.
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Michael Hyeroba Wakala, said the army would act against people who attack others, destroy property or occupy land illegally.
He issued the warning during a joint regional security meeting at the 403 Brigade Headquarters in Matany, Napak District. Security officials discussed land disputes affecting Abim, Napak and Kapelebyong districts.
“Land conflicts are now a major security threat. I direct all commanders under 3 Division to take firm action against anyone who takes the law into their own hands. No community has the right to evict, attack or destroy property of another under the guise of land ownership. We shall enforce peace and protect every Ugandan,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
Security officials say disagreements over gazetted land, communal grazing corridors and district boundaries have contributed to tensions between communities.
Brig Gen Hyeroba directed the joint security committee to verify ownership and boundaries of gazetted land before submitting recommendations to the government.
“This committee must address the historical and administrative gaps. We need to know what is gazetted, what is communal, and what belongs to the local government. Without clarity, criminals will continue to hide behind land conflicts,” he added.
Napak Resident District Commissioner Milton Odongo said security agencies and local leaders must work together, arguing that separate interventions had failed to resolve the disputes.
“We are moving from talking to action. We have resolved to deploy joint security teams in all hotspots across the three districts to stop violence, prevent illegal demarcations and protect lives and property. Any local leader who incites communities over land will be held personally accountable,” Odongo said.
He said the disputes had grown beyond the capacity of local council structures and now required a coordinated response from security agencies and government institutions.
“Land conflict is no longer a mere community disagreement; it is a security matter. We shall not allow it to reverse the peace we have achieved in Karamoja and Teso,” he said.
Mr Odongo said he would engage the Minister for Karamoja Affairs to bring the ministries of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Local Government into efforts to find a lasting solution.
Abim Deputy Resident District Commissioner Gilbert Okwir appealed to communities to avoid confrontation and urged security agencies to coordinate their response.
“The people of Abim, Napak and Kapelebyong are one. We cannot afford to fight over boundaries. I appeal to all security agencies to speak with one voice and find a lasting solution,” Okwir said.
He credited joint operations by the UPDF, Uganda Police Force and Anti-Stock Theft Unit with reducing cattle raids, which have also fuelled tensions over land.
The Deputy Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, Col Gai Fraser Mpadwa, asked commanders to strengthen intelligence sharing and engage communities before disputes turn violent.
The meeting also brought together brigade commanders, Anti-Stock Theft Unit commanders, District Internal Security Officers, intelligence officers and Resident District Commissioners from the affected areas.
