By John Omoding

THE Iteso cultural leader, Emorimor Augustine Osuban, has told the LRA peace delegation to compensate the families of the people killed by the rebels in Teso.

“The most important element in the Teso traditional justice is compensation of the aggrieved parties because it acts as a binding factor and deterrent tool against such a crime.”

Osuban made the remarks during a dinner held at Eneku Training Village in Soroti Municipality on Monday.

“Peace is as precious as gold to the people of Teso and it is the one thing the people badly need so that they can go about their business freely.”

He assured the LRA team that the people of Teso were ready to forgive Kony and the LRA rebels if they release the Iteso children believed to be in their custody so that they can re-unite with their families.

“The apology you gave on behalf of the LRA is a positive sign that LRA is committed to peace this time.”

The leader of the LRA peace delegation, Martin Ojul, had earlier apologised on behalf of the LRA for the atrocities they committed in Teso in 2003.

He assured Emorimor that the LRA is willing to consider the issue of accountability and arbitration.

The LRA attacked Teso in 2003, killing hundreds of people, abducting children, raping women and destroying homes. The Emorimor told the LRA team that the traditional system of justice in the region had enabled the Iteso co-exist peacefully because it emphasised reconciliation and compensation.

The LRA delegation later held a meeting with selected persons from Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Kumi and Amuria districts.

The religious leaders, during their presentation at the meeting, supported the alternative justice for Kony but said they did not understand rituals performed by the Acholi such as Mato Put.