Letter from Toronto, Opiyo Oloya
LAST Sunday, ahead of the Toronto conference on the crisis in northern Uganda, this writer sat down with delegate Msgr Matthew Odong, vicar-general of Gulu Archdiocese, to find out what he hopes will be achieved at the meeting.
Over an hour, in between greeting well-wishers and blessing little children, Msgr. Odong expressed his personal thoughts and as secretary-general of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), here is what he had to say for the record.
On the crisis in the north: We have now reached a very critical point where we can say honestly that we need outside help urgently. The crisis has many layers, each presenting a different challenge. At the very basic level, many of the people in the camps have lost their dignity and the will to survive. Let me put it this way, the camps have eaten away at the core of our people. They are in a 40 m deep hole, and they cannot get out without help. We know that suicide has become a problem-it has happened in some of the camps including Anaka. The immediate challenge, therefore, is to restore hope by initiating peace dialogue and begin the process of disbanding the camps.
At another level, the crisis is an international one because Joseph Kony and LRA continue to operate with logistical support originating from Sudan. This despite continued denial from Sudan that it is not providing any support. Ask yourself a simple question: How can a rebel force operate year after year without someone giving the weapons to fight?
Whether the Government is doing enough:
The Government has the capacity and means to do much more than what it has done to date. Let there be no mistake about this the Government has not done enough to protect the citizens from the rebels. In fact, there are reports that in Pader district, some farmers now rent the UPDF for protection while they work in their fields. Can you imagine a taxpayer who pays the salary of the army being asked for extra money for protection? Thats how bad it is. But more important, the Government seems indecisive on what to do about the crisis. One moment its ready to talk peace and the next its ready to wage war. War has not worked in 18 years, now peace must be given a chance.
How to end the conflict:
As ARLPI has been saying all along, the gun has failed to solve the problem. Although some individuals in the Government see talking peace with the rebels as surrender or defeat, the ARLPI is saying that it is the most realistic and certain way to achieve peace. In 1994, peace came right to the doorstep because of the courageous effort of Betty Bigombe who worked hard to bring the rebels out. When President Museveni issued the ultimatum to the rebels to surrender, the LRA dug its heels in and there has not been peace since that day, ten years ago. Now, if President Museveni can recreate that original effort, we will achieve peace before the end of this year. Its a win-win for everyone the Government, the citizens and the LRA.
Who should play a role in resolving the conflict?
The crisis is both a national and international tragedy. At the international level, the UN must take leadership. It would be a shame if Kofi Annan were to come 10 years from now to commemorate genocide in northern Uganda in the same way he has done in Rwanda. There is immediate need for the UN to work with concerned countries like Canada and members of the EU to set up a structure for getting the dialogue between the Government and the LRA back on track.
At the national level, Ugandans in the Diaspora and at home must work with one purpose. What we need is a new type of nationalism where we act with one voice on issues affecting any part of Uganda. If Kigezi needs help, thats our collective problem until it is resolved. In fact, we are now beginning to see a lot of that happening as Ugandans from other parts respond to the crisis in the north. This is a very positive development: it gives us Acholi a lot pride and hope that our fellow citizens have not forgotten us.
What the Toronto Conference will achieve:
The crisis in the north is not going to be resolved by being quiet and alone. There is urgency to get countries like Canada involved in spearheading the resolution of the problem. Firstly, this conference provides yet another great chance to raise the alarm for international response. Secondly, it is a forum to show that Ugandans themselves have not given up on the problem for a lasting solution. Finally, the networking establishes future contacts for helping our most traumatised people heal and move forward.
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Published on: Wednesday, 30th June, 2004
NB: I hope you will find time to read and sign a petition to stop the Northern Uganda carnage at: http://www.petitiononline.com/savacoli/petition.html
