We have a clue to bringing normalcy to northern Uganda

Nov 17, 2002

SIR— We would like to draw the attention of Ugandans and Joseph Kony in particular to the good side of people of Acholi whose image he has painted dark and wretched evil

SIR— We would like to draw the attention of Ugandans and Joseph Kony in particular to the good side of people of Acholi whose image he has painted dark and wretched evil.

The most spectacular, historical and world acclaimed positive contribution of some children of Acholi was over 100 years ago when two holy young boys of Paimoi Gulu, Jildo Irwa and David Okello were martyred for their faith and were beatified by the Pope this year for which Uganda was honoured and credit for which goes to people of Acholi.

Just before this, the Anglican Church worldwide recognised and honoured the late Archbishop Janani Luwum in a similar manner for which Uganda was honoured.

The people of Acholi have produced very highly respected people like renowned writer Okot p’Bitek, and even a head of state Tito Okello and were about to produce even a leader for the entire world in the person of Olara Otunnu who was fronted for the post of United Nations secretary-general which later went to the incumbent Kofi Annan.

The Acholi have ever been appreciated, accepted and honoured even in the royal courtyard of other monarchs like Daudi Ochieng who grew in the Kabaka’s palace. There are very many distinguished Acholi scholars in the diaspora.

The atrocities by Kony of cooking human beings in a pot, to be eaten or forcing women to have sex with dead bodies, is just one bizarre work of the devil and highest level of inhumanity amidst splendour and wonder which we all need to recognise.

We have been hearing of deadlines given to Kony, like November 28, December 31 and February and March 2003 (end of the dry season) which are yet to come; but a genuine lasting solution is what is needed.

Kony has not only taken his own people decades backwards but the entire north and those who have flourished out of his blood or conflict (resource manipulation) are equally condemned with him. Let us give peace and

normalcy in the north a chance and let Acholiland in particular revive its lost glory. Not all that comes from Acholiland is destruction and death.

Concerned citizens
Arua

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