Probe Priest’s Murder

TWO soldiers have been arrested in connection with the murder in Kotido of an Irish priest, Fr Michael O’toole Declan and two local employees, Patrick Longoli and Fidele Longole.A field court martial is to be instituted and the soldier executed by firing squad in Kotido town, according to 3rd Divisional Commander Col. Sula Ssemakula. Defence Minister Amama Mbabazi has condemned the act and promised fully investigations.Karamoja continues to be a dangerous area given the proliferation of arms that have led to the ongoing disarmament program. But there should be no grounds to warrant government soldiers to kill unarmed civilians even in such an environment. Fr O’toole Declan has been very critical of the forced disarmament exercise saying it was too harsh.There have been reports that the priest had once abandoned his parish in Kotido and escaped to Kampala after soldiers went to his home and warned him following his criticisms. He was reportedly assured of his security and he returned to Kotido.While the army may expeditiously try and execute the soldier if found guilty, there is need to fully probe the motive of the murders. The criticisms Fr Declan made should also be studied. Forced disarmament is of course not easy, but it was not the intention of the Government nor of the army to use brutal force. In fact the intention was to conduct the exercise within the law. Specially trained magistrates and prosecutors have been dispatched to Karamoja to ensure those found guilty are prosecuted. The Karimojong must also realise the key to peace in that region is for them to surrender the guns. They cannot continue to terrorise their neighbours with impunity.Ends