To suffering Acholi, the MPs deserved it!
Nov 24, 2004
SIR— The events that resulted in the UPDF beating up four Acholi MPs in Pader district are unfortunate in the eyes of outsider. But to someone who has borne the
SIR— The events that resulted in the UPDF beating up four Acholi MPs in Pader district are unfortunate in the eyes of outsider. But to someone who has borne the pain and the pathetic inhuman conditions in the camps, the army only acted in time to save a more bloody scenario in Acholi. Even the most ardent political supporters of these MPs condemned their move.
The three weeks of recess for MPs to consult on the White Paper were over and Parliament was back on business, as the parliamentary spokesman has explained. The whole population of northern Uganda had their ears and eyes on the declared ceasefire and what may come out of it, only to be shocked by a radio announcement that some MPs were addressing rallies purported to be on the White Paper.
This came weeks after MPs Zachary Olum and Betty Akech had appropriately used their recess. The most disturbing thing is that these rallies were scheduled inside ceasefire zones. Given allegations that some Acholi leaders support this rebellion and would not wish to see it resolved soon because it would deny them their campaign message, the population and UPDF who die at the frontline could not take chances. In fact the MPs saved their face by calling off their tour. How could their alleged consultation have coincided with the launching of FDC mobilisation if it was not part of the mobilisation? I find it odd that the same leaders who have been calling for a peaceful resolution of this conflict now bring themselves down by putting forward FDC agenda instead of the search for peace. This is the highest level of double standards and hypocrisy.
To us in Acholi, peace comes first, and the rest follow. Time is up for sentimental politics. You can attack and abuse the Movement on other things, but peace in Acholi should be a priority. This event also serves as a sign of the ever-changing trend of events in Acholi.
Tony Kitara
LC3 Chairman
Bungatira, Gulu District
The three weeks of recess for MPs to consult on the White Paper were over and Parliament was back on business, as the parliamentary spokesman has explained. The whole population of northern Uganda had their ears and eyes on the declared ceasefire and what may come out of it, only to be shocked by a radio announcement that some MPs were addressing rallies purported to be on the White Paper.
This came weeks after MPs Zachary Olum and Betty Akech had appropriately used their recess. The most disturbing thing is that these rallies were scheduled inside ceasefire zones. Given allegations that some Acholi leaders support this rebellion and would not wish to see it resolved soon because it would deny them their campaign message, the population and UPDF who die at the frontline could not take chances. In fact the MPs saved their face by calling off their tour. How could their alleged consultation have coincided with the launching of FDC mobilisation if it was not part of the mobilisation? I find it odd that the same leaders who have been calling for a peaceful resolution of this conflict now bring themselves down by putting forward FDC agenda instead of the search for peace. This is the highest level of double standards and hypocrisy.
To us in Acholi, peace comes first, and the rest follow. Time is up for sentimental politics. You can attack and abuse the Movement on other things, but peace in Acholi should be a priority. This event also serves as a sign of the ever-changing trend of events in Acholi.
Tony Kitara
LC3 Chairman
Bungatira, Gulu District