The System Of Government Is Itself An Obstacle

Jackson Jokkene
London UK

The government must seek a peaceful means to resolve the 12 year old conflict it is not a temporary issue, as claimed by President Museveni because the human cost is not temporary; Human rights abuse is not temporary. There should be no more confrontational threats of 'wipe out'

All who have died in the conflict on both side are Acholi and this is not temporary Mr. President.

Obstacles to peace

1. Centralisation: since independence is an obstacle. Because development funds are diverted to other areas. That is why we are underdeveloped.
2. The idea of protected camps was misconceived. The government has failed constitutionally to protect the people of Acholi in their homes and their property they have become political footballs.
3. The people of the region should not be politically isolated. The Acholi are peace loving people, and deserves better. They should not be refugee in their own homeland.

Recommendations

1. International observers should independently assess the needs of the people and make recommendation in the best interest of the people.
2. International intervention should put pressure to bring both sides to a negotiating table and a return to a multiparty democracy.
3. To implement the human rights inquiry there must be an independent peace making force or the Uganda Human Right Commission is just by name.
4. Amnesty has to be absolute, unequivocal, documented and enforceable by the peace making force or the obstacles remain in place.
5. Devolution of power - Gulu, Kitgum and neighbouring Districts should advocate the need for an assembly in which they will determine their future and issues which directly affects their community as mentioned above.