By Elizabeth Kameo
September 22, 2003
KAMPALA - Children from Gulu district have appealed to government and the international community to pacify northern Uganda.
The call was made at celebrations to mark the International World Peace Day at Bat Valley Primary School.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Michael Onono,12, appealed to Ugandans to help end the fighting in the north.
"We come from Gulu where we have never had peace for the last 17 years and people are aware of our suffering. Children sleep on streets," Onono said.
He condemned those profiting from the war and those who blame the insurgency on the Acholi.
"Young girls are raped, abducted and become mothers at a young age. What do the government, NGOs think of our suffering? We are innocent children and we need peace and love," Onono said.
The children were joined by their peers from Kampala to celebrate the International World Peace day with a fun football match and the signing of a peace manifesto.
The ceremony organised by Right To Play, Kampala Kids League and Alliance for African Assistance was attended by the Minister of State for Sports, Mr Henry Okello Oryem, Miss Uganda 2003 Aysha Salma Nassanga and officials from various UN agencies.
Oryem appealed to all Ugandans to protect children. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that Uganda's children are protected, he said.
� 2003 The Monitor Publications
