‘Don’t drop Kony’

By Apollo Mubiru and Cyprian Musoke

MEMBERS of Parliament have opposed an amendment to the Amnesty Act, which sought to exclude the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) chief, Joseph Kony and his top commanders, from being eligible for amnesty.

Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who tabled the Amnesty (Amendment) Bill 2003 on Thursday, said Kony and the commanders had persistently brushed off the offer to talk peace.

Rugunda told the House, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, that, “The main obstacle to the Amnesty Act is that a handful of LRA leaders, who are the authors of the rebellion, have been blocking those they lead from surrendering”.

Kony and four of his top commanders, including Vincent Otti, have been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

The MPs were debating a report of the defence and internal affairs committee, chaired by Amon Muzoora (Rwampara).

Kadaga deferred the debate to tomorrow to allow more consultations. Christopher Kibazanga, Elijah Okupa, Jack Sabiti opposed the Bill.

Nobert Mao (Gulu Municipality) said no one should be excluded from the Act, arguing that even those who had not yet given up rebellion could change their hearts.

“I want to request my colleagues to reject this Bill. What signals are you sending to some of us who come from the north? If this Bill is passed and worse gets to worst, we shall ferry our people in buses to Rwakitura”, Mao threatened.
Nakawa MP Freddie Ruhundi said, “This amendment may cause problems.”

Ben Wacha (Oyam North) said, “With this amendment, the minister is saying, ‘let there be total war’. I have to be on record as having opposed this amendment because I don’t want to declare war on my own people”.

Abdul Katuntu (Bugweri) said passing the Bill would contradict the International Criminal Court’s procedures.

“What purpose will this amendment serve? Zero. Because of the Amnesty law, the President is now privileged to have former rebels Sam Kolo and Banya testifying in court to save his presidency,” Katuntu said.

Margaret Babadri (PWD northern) said, “If we were to pass this Bill today and tomorrow you arrest Kon, I would accept.”
Ministers Tom Butime, Ruth Nankabirwa and Zoe Bakoko Bakoru all spoke in favour of the Bill.

Nankabirwa said, “Northern Uganda is a unique situation which requires a unique solution.”
But Wakiso Woman MP Rosemary Sseninde said, “Much as I know that the Bill has got good intentions, it’s too early.”