Feddal Fitsum, the Advisor Justice and Peace Commission explained that the visit was triggered by issues raised at community dialogues with the hope of finding a lasting solution to conflicts in Karamoja sub-region.
Leaders from Karamoja sub-region are in Lira to search for alternative sources of livelihood, which will end cattle rustling.
The delegation
from Nabilatuk and Moroto districts in
Karamoja region are visiting Lira for exposure and meeting aimed at generating new ideas and possible partnerships that will spur the development of the Karamoja
sub-region as a whole.
The Karamojong are the largest group of herdsmen
in Northern Uganda and are known for rustling cattle amongst themselves and
sometimes from the neighbouring districts. The visit is aimed at
building good relationships between Karamoja and Lango sub-regions and expanding the market for products from both sides.
With support from the Justice and Peace
Commission of Moroto Diocese, the team paid a courtesy visit to Lira city
council on Friday where
they briefed the technical and political staff. They also visited Mukwano industries, Mt Meru ltd and Beb
Wine factory in the industrial park.
Feddal
Fitsum, the Advisor Justice and Peace Commission explained that the visit was
triggered by issues raised at community
dialogues with the hope of finding a lasting solution to conflicts in Karamoja
sub-region.
Eng byte:
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Paul Lukol, the LCV Chairperson of Nabilatuk District explained that interventions
such as forceful disarmament and inter-community dialogue did not yield fruits,
a reason they opted
to find solutions from the nearby districts.
Eng byte:
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Lukol is optimistic that they will be able to
diversify the livelihood of the people in Karamoja through trade and commerce.
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The same idea is shared by Celestina Narika, the
coordinator of Justice and Peace commission Moroto Diocese and Emmanuel Lokii, a councillor from Moroto who says that because the people of Karamoja believe in
cattle as their only source of livelihood, the team will go back to preach
mindset change to help the community members brace for hard work.
Voxpop eng:
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Milton Odongo, the Nabilatuk Resident District
Commissioner who led the delegation explained that after the visit, the team
will be able to mobilize their voters into
embracing peace and development. According
to Odongo, Karamoja has fertile land and energetic youth who can engage in
Agriculture as a business.
Eng byte:
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Lawrence Egole, the Lira City Resident
Commissioner who says the community of Karamoja are learned people, advised the leaders to put in use what they
have learnt to ensure that Karamoja grows.
Eng byte:
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On the other hand, Sam Atul, the Lira City mayor
is optimistic that the two sub-regions can concurrently develop because both
have opportunities like minerals in Karamoja and industries in Lira which each
can benefit from.
Eng byte:
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The team are expected to visit Lira University
teaching hospital and Olweny Rice scheme on Saturday.
