Let us uphold peace, we are tired of displacement - Kabwegyere

Apr 22, 2016

I have seen children who are supposed to be in school along the road, people’s business not running well, which is really bad

Prof Tarsis Kabwegyere, the Minister of General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister called on the people of Rwenzori region to uphold peace and avoid further displacements which have led to the suffering of people in camps.

Kabwegyere who was on Wednesdy in Bundibugyo district revealed that such incidents retard development and therefore should be avoided at all costs.

"We are tired of displacements by unrests in Uganda, I was displaced running away from Uganda in 1970's, I have witnessed displacement by Kony in Nothern Uganda, Kenyans running to Uganda. It is a painful thing, we need to uphold our peace which will foster us to development," Kabwegyere said

The unrest in Rwenzori region has left over 40 people dead and a total of 17,000 displaced and currently living in camps.

"It is unfortunate that people are suffering in camps, we are doing everything possible to see that people are supported and helped to return home. I have seen children who are supposed to be in school along the road, people's business not running well, which is really bad," Kabwegyere said.

When asked on what kind of support the government is likely to give to the people whose houses were burnt, Kabwegyere revealed they are yet to decide.

"I'm here to ensure that we have correct information and we have correct assessment on what we can do as a minimum to have life restarted for those who are displaced," Kabwegyere said.

 undibugyo  eoffrey ucunguzi  and rof arsis abwegyere  during a radio talkshow at  adio undibugyo on ednesday Bundibugyo RDC Geoffrey Mucunguzi (L) and Prof Tarsis Kabwegyere (R) during a radio talkshow at UBC Radio Bundibugyo on Wednesday

 

A total of 370 houses were burnt during the unrest while crops were destroyed and animals killed.

"We cannot promise heaven on earth; the support is within the current budget which is completing the last quarter. I have had to write to the ministry of finance to ensure that the last quarter of Bundibugyo is expedited," Kabwegyere said.

The minister appeared on one of the local radio stations where together with Geoffrey Mucunguzi, the Bundibugyo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) sensitized the locals peaceful living.

"We are talking of carefully identifying those who can be helped and those who if not helped cannot restart. Do not go and break your house and expect government to assist you," Kabwegyere warned.

Mucunguzi challenged the locals and leaders to embrace peace and co-existence.

"We want to see everybody home, we want all children back in school and business booming as usual. This suffering and displacement is un called for," Mucunguzi said

He assured them that the government is ready to ensure there security and providing assistance to those in need.

"All those behind the destabilizing of people's peace will be handled. I want to call upon leaders not hide these criminals, because some are doing so. Why should a small group of people disturb the majority," Mucunguzi said

He asked parents to immediately send back their children to school.

So far the government has provided 50,000 kg of maize flour and 30,000 kg of beans to diaplaced persons in Bundibugyo district.

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