End War, MPS Tells Kony
Feb 29, 2004
THE Speaker of the Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, has appealed to Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels to take advantage of the existing amnesty and end the 18-year-old insurgency.
By Dennis Ojwee
THE Speaker of the Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, has appealed to Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels to take advantage of the existing amnesty and end the 18-year-old insurgency.
“Parliament passed the Amnesty Law in 2000. So, Kony, come out now, please,†he said.
He said parliament was wiling to help end the war.
“Whoever started this war must stop it. Be it you, me, Kony or whoever. All Ugandans must work towards the quick end of the conflict,†he said.
Ssekandi, who led a delegation of 11 MPs to northern Uganda last week, was addressing the public on Mega 102 FM on Saturday.
“We have to console with you and to bring you hope. We, in other parts of this country, are fully aware of your problems,†he said.
Ssekandi said parliament was ready to do everything in its powers, and to work with others, to end the senseless war.
He said they were willing to listen to and address the rebels’ grievances.
Ssekandi said they were saddened by the plight of over 6,000 internally displaced children who lacked the basic necessities, including food.
“The children told us they some times go without food (meals) and have no breakfast,†he said.
Ssekandi thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the Government for his efforts to contain the situation in the region.
He also commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for their contribution to the area security.
The Acholi Parliamentary Group chairperson, Zachary Olum (Nwoya), Jacob Oulanyah (Omoro) and Dorah Bwamuka (Kyenjojo), attended.
Others included Ruth Kavuma (Kalangala), Jane Akwero-Odong (Kitgum woman) and Margaret Babadiri.
Dr. Stephen Malinga and ex-MP Emmanuel Pinto were also present.
Ends
THE Speaker of the Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, has appealed to Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels to take advantage of the existing amnesty and end the 18-year-old insurgency.
“Parliament passed the Amnesty Law in 2000. So, Kony, come out now, please,†he said.
He said parliament was wiling to help end the war.
“Whoever started this war must stop it. Be it you, me, Kony or whoever. All Ugandans must work towards the quick end of the conflict,†he said.
Ssekandi, who led a delegation of 11 MPs to northern Uganda last week, was addressing the public on Mega 102 FM on Saturday.
“We have to console with you and to bring you hope. We, in other parts of this country, are fully aware of your problems,†he said.
Ssekandi said parliament was ready to do everything in its powers, and to work with others, to end the senseless war.
He said they were willing to listen to and address the rebels’ grievances.
Ssekandi said they were saddened by the plight of over 6,000 internally displaced children who lacked the basic necessities, including food.
“The children told us they some times go without food (meals) and have no breakfast,†he said.
Ssekandi thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the Government for his efforts to contain the situation in the region.
He also commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for their contribution to the area security.
The Acholi Parliamentary Group chairperson, Zachary Olum (Nwoya), Jacob Oulanyah (Omoro) and Dorah Bwamuka (Kyenjojo), attended.
Others included Ruth Kavuma (Kalangala), Jane Akwero-Odong (Kitgum woman) and Margaret Babadiri.
Dr. Stephen Malinga and ex-MP Emmanuel Pinto were also present.
Ends