Mao, leave Teso alone! Mind your Gulu!
Aug 15, 2003
SIR— Why does the Gulu Municipality MP, Norbert Mao, have a low opinion about the Arrow Group?
SIR— Why does the Gulu Municipality MP, Norbert Mao, have a low opinion about the Arrow Group? During a Capital Gang discussion in July, he called them “bandages†which cannot solve the Kony invasion of Teso. In The New Vision of August 6, page 5, Mao warned that the efforts of the Arrow Group “would yield no results as a substitute to the UPDFâ€. According to Mao, Uganda must first find the cause of Kony’s rebellion and remove it, instead of using “bandagesâ€. It is now 17 years since Kony rebelled against the Government, yet Mao is still looking for the cause while Kony is destroying the life and culture of Acholi. Teso politicians could not wait that long without taking action locally. The Arrow Group, fighting alongside the UPDF, has made a difference in the Teso region.
One of Kony’s commanders telephoned Musa Ecweru, expressing his utter disgust at Ecweru’s mobilisation of the Arrow Group. But if someone breaks his arm, we are obliged to use a bandage to stop his arm from further bleeding and injury. What kind of bandages has Mao offered to rescue northern Uganda from destruction? I believe Mao knows that rebel activity does not thrive in an area where the local population does not sympathise with their cause. It is not too late for Mao to mobilise northern Uganda politicians to fight Kony. Mao should give credit where it is due. If he waits until he identifies the cause of Kony’s rebellion, the economy and security of Uganda will have been compromised.
Name withheld on request
SIR— I wonder why Kony has continued to kill people without any reason for many years in northern Uganda. Now he has crossed to Teso in eastern Uganda, killing people, abducting children, raping women. Children and women are always the victims of war since they are the most vulnerable in society.
My appeal goes to the people in Teso region where Kony has invaded not to collaborate with him. Consequently,
he will be defeated, just like
the ADF in western Uganda and Itongwa in Buganda were defeated. What is happening
in the north, should not happen in the east. Otherwise, well done so far, UPDF.
Allen Mamken
Kampala
SIR— I wish to thank Capt Mike Mukula for being a role model for future leaders in fighting insurgency. The bishops in the north should follow suit. That goes for Norbert Mao who keeps criticising with no action.
Nesta Kirindi
Kampala
One of Kony’s commanders telephoned Musa Ecweru, expressing his utter disgust at Ecweru’s mobilisation of the Arrow Group. But if someone breaks his arm, we are obliged to use a bandage to stop his arm from further bleeding and injury. What kind of bandages has Mao offered to rescue northern Uganda from destruction? I believe Mao knows that rebel activity does not thrive in an area where the local population does not sympathise with their cause. It is not too late for Mao to mobilise northern Uganda politicians to fight Kony. Mao should give credit where it is due. If he waits until he identifies the cause of Kony’s rebellion, the economy and security of Uganda will have been compromised.
Name withheld on request
SIR— I wonder why Kony has continued to kill people without any reason for many years in northern Uganda. Now he has crossed to Teso in eastern Uganda, killing people, abducting children, raping women. Children and women are always the victims of war since they are the most vulnerable in society.
My appeal goes to the people in Teso region where Kony has invaded not to collaborate with him. Consequently,
he will be defeated, just like
the ADF in western Uganda and Itongwa in Buganda were defeated. What is happening
in the north, should not happen in the east. Otherwise, well done so far, UPDF.
Allen Mamken
Kampala
SIR— I wish to thank Capt Mike Mukula for being a role model for future leaders in fighting insurgency. The bishops in the north should follow suit. That goes for Norbert Mao who keeps criticising with no action.
Nesta Kirindi
Kampala