K’jong, Iteso Advised On Strife

By Eva Nabagesera and James Odong Danish ambassador Flemming Bjork Pedersen has urged the stakeholders in the Karimojong-Iteso conflict to adopt non-violent approaches to accelerate the reconciliation process. “I hope you will all aim at reconciling your differences and that where reconciliation is out of reach at the moment, you will be able to agree on a way to achieve at least non-violent co-existence,” Pedersen said. He was on Saturday, opening a two-day consultative workshop to discuss the current security situation in north-eastern Uganda, which is affected by cattle rustling. Pedersen said Denmark attaches a lot of importance to the key role civil society plays in the development of Uganda. “You collectively represent an immense pool of resources, creativity, determination and commitment. Your coming together today is a clear indication that local capacities for peace need to be tapped into in the pursuit of sustainable peace,” he said. Pedersen commended the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) staff in Soroti for their relentless effort in addressing human rights issues in their area. Commissioner Joel Aliro Omara of UHRC said, “Our politicians have not even helped to pacify the volatile situation between the Karimojong and the Iteso. Their debates tend to pour oil into the fire. The solution is not only in disarmament.” Ends