RDC Okiswa Geoffrey Presided over a peaceful Apala Security Dialogue Concerning Epor Forest Reserve.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
ALEBTONG,UGANDA–Alebtong Resident District Commissioner ( RDC) Geoffrey Okiswa, on Saturday 11th,July 2026 presided over a community and security dialogue in Apala Town Council following alleged complaints of harassment by UPDF and denial of access to farmland in Epor Central Forest Reserve.
The dialogue was conducted after a compaint raised by one Acake Santi of Apala “A”Cell, who alleged harassment by some security forces and being blocked from accessing his farm in the forest reserve.
Background of the Dispute:
Officials noted that Epor Central Forest Reserve was widely encroached on, prompting the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to open boundaries and evict encroachers in 2022.
However, four (4) encroachers took NFA to court and secured a court order for stay of status quo on 11th May 2023, pending a final ruling.
During the meeting, leaders noted that:
- Some people have defied the 2023 court order and continued opening new farms, prompting NFA enforcement actions.
- Allegations of UPDF harassment are baseless because there is no record of complaints reported to LC1, LC2, LC3, LC5, Police, Gombolola or District Security Committees.
- Delay by court to make a final ruling has caused anxiety, speculation and animosity in the community.
Resolutions
The meeting resolved that:
- Complainants and respondents petition court to expedite the case and deliver a ruling.
- The 2023 court order must be respected by all parties until court pronounces itself.
- Police and UPDF intensify patrols to ensure peace, security and order in the community and in Epor Forest.
- Any person with complaints must follow the bottom-up approach and use the established chain of command to report.
- Personal disputes and animosity should be quickly resolved by LCs and Sub-county Security Committees.
The Commanding Officer of 103 Battalion was Chief Guest, representing the 5th Division Commander.
In attendance were LC5 Chairperson, LC3 Chairperson, DISO, DPC and hundreds of community members from the five (5) villages surrounding the forest reserve. Others were
were the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Environmental Police , NFA Regional manager, UPDF I/O 103 Battalion and the wanahinchi.
RDC Okiswa Geoffrey urged residents to embrace dialogue and the rule of law as government works to protect forest reserves while addressing community livelihood concerns.
However, Alebtong RDC Geoffrey Okiswa and tge UPDF were commended for leading a peaceful security dialogue in Apala Town Council that brought hope over Epor Forest Reserve. Leaders resolved that the 2023 court order be respected and called for expedited ruling as NFA and security agencies address encroachment.
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