.....KONY is kick of a dying
Kony: Kicks of a Dying Horse?
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New Vision (Kampala)
INTERVIEW
June 16, 2004
Posted to the web June 16, 2004
Alfred Wasike
Kampala
Betty Akech, minister of state for security, Max Omeda, Gulu RDC, Sr. Mary Okee,
Amnesty commission office Gulu and others recently paid homage to internally displaced
people's camps like Pagak, Chope and others. They assured the people that they would
soon return to their homes. New Vision talked to Minister Akech about the grim
situation
Do you see an end to this conflict that has lasted more than a decade?
There is a lot of light. It has been a long tunnel. We are seeing very bright light.
What light are you talking about when we still get stories of abductions like the Rwot
Yakobo Oyaka of Alokolum, his household and neighbours?
The Operation Iron Fist we started in 2002 has recorded serious achievements for
Uganda and weakened the LRA drastically. It led to very many defections because their
bases in Sudan have been destroyed. Their supplies of food and medicine are
unreliable. Their casualties are dying in many numbers because they can't maintain
sick bays. They are scattered by the precise bombing raids by the UPDF. The recent
reconciliation between the Khartoum-based administration and the opposition in the
south of Sudan is one of the most important issues now. This has dealt a very big blow
to the relationship between the LRA and Sudan. They are now looking for where to go.
This is the light that I am talking about. But the attacks and abductions in the
population seem to continue These are kicks from a dying horse.
What about the case of the Rwot? Or the attack on Lukodi where at least 40 were
butchered and others abducted recently?
Rwot and his people did not listen to security warnings by the army not to go back to
their villages yet. The point that should be made clear is that the LRA are now
desperate for security intelligence, food and other necessities from their
collaborators who now live in the camps with the rest of the innocent population.
These camps are useful in cutting off this contact that has kept the LRA alive for
years.
What about the Lokudi case?
UPDF Maj Noel Nuwe, commander in Aswa said there was evidence of collaboration from
the population.
Alfred, this issue of collaboration is one of the main factors that has contributed to
LRA strength this long.
I also received a briefing that the LRA actually came into the area at about 3.00pm
and were hidden by some members of the community until between 6.00pm and 6.30pm when
they opened fire.
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They were hidden among the people who were running towards the detatch. This made it
difficult for the army to react because the soldiers feared that they would kill
innocent people. We regret this and other incidents that have happened since this
problem started.
But we really appreciate the role of the army in fighting the LRA over the years. But
our appeal to the LRA is please dwog paco (return home).
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