The state must guard the Karimojong’s rights
Feb 28, 2007
SIR — I was saddened to read the letter entitled Disarm the Karimojong at all cost by Fabian Omuga. That is quite a heartless view.<br>
SIR — I was saddened to read the letter entitled Disarm the Karimojong at all cost by Fabian Omuga. That is quite a heartless view.
Whereas I agree that for stability to be achieved in the Karamoja sub-region, there is need for disarmament, it cannot be done recklessly.
A view such as Omuga’s is like saying that theft is bad and so we should encourage mob justice. Surely the Karimojong too have rights and these rights must be respected at all costs.
For peace to be achieved, any disarmament should be well coordinated so that those disarmed are protected against those who still carry guns. Access routes to guns such as Kenya and Sudan should be checked.
The exercise should be done in a lawful manner that upholds the Karimojong’s rights, which is the Government’s constitutional duty.
The Government should also go beyond disarmament to tackle the real problems of the Karimojong, such as poverty and poor living standards.
Peaceful disarmament should be promoted more since it is more practical. Confidence building measures need to be put in place so that the Karimojong stop viewing the Government with mistrust as is the case today.
Above all, it must be noted that human rights are God-given and are not handed down by the State. The least we can do is to respect, uphold and promote them and not to abuse them.
Ernest Katwesigye
Kampala
Whereas I agree that for stability to be achieved in the Karamoja sub-region, there is need for disarmament, it cannot be done recklessly.
A view such as Omuga’s is like saying that theft is bad and so we should encourage mob justice. Surely the Karimojong too have rights and these rights must be respected at all costs.
For peace to be achieved, any disarmament should be well coordinated so that those disarmed are protected against those who still carry guns. Access routes to guns such as Kenya and Sudan should be checked.
The exercise should be done in a lawful manner that upholds the Karimojong’s rights, which is the Government’s constitutional duty.
The Government should also go beyond disarmament to tackle the real problems of the Karimojong, such as poverty and poor living standards.
Peaceful disarmament should be promoted more since it is more practical. Confidence building measures need to be put in place so that the Karimojong stop viewing the Government with mistrust as is the case today.
Above all, it must be noted that human rights are God-given and are not handed down by the State. The least we can do is to respect, uphold and promote them and not to abuse them.
Ernest Katwesigye
Kampala