Bamuze, Government open dialogue

Dec 17, 2002

The Amnesty Commission chairman, Justice Peter Onega, on Monday opened peace talks between the Government and the UNRF II rebels

By Ahmed Angulibo

The Amnesty Commission chairman, Justice Peter Onega, on Monday opened peace talks between the Government and the UNRF II rebels.

He urged the parties to approach the issues with flexible minds and a sincere desire and willingness to have them resolved.

The function held at Presidential lodge in Anyafio, in Arua municipality, was attended by UNRF II chairman Maj. Gen. Ali Bamuze, former vice-president in Idi Amin’s regime, Gen. Mustafa Adrisi, Reserve force commander, Lt. Gen. Salim Saleh, Presidential advisor on defence Col. Joram Mugume and the permanent secretary in the internal affairs ministry, Dr. S. P. Kagoda.

Others were UPDF Camp commandant, Col. Hussein Ada, chairman Aringa-Obongi peace initiative committee, Col. Nasur Izaruku and RDCs Ahmed Mustafa Doka and Thomas Okoth Nyalulu of Yumbe and Arua.

“These talks are so important that the parties should approach it from the basis that both sides need each other. A rigid approach could cause a dead lock at any stage. The issues should be exhaustively analysed and discussed in order to bring a lasting solution.

“Where possible, parties should be willing to make concessions and they should appreciate the need for co-existence. They should understand each other,” Onega said.

He added that the occasion was important, not only to the Government and the UNRF II, but to all Ugandans.

“The undertaking talk shows that both sides want peace,” Onega said.

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