AFRICA/UGANDA- “A Concern for Peace, Unity And Harmony in Uganda” Easter Message of the Catholic Bishops essential to understand the present national situation

Thursday, 13 May 2004

Kampala (Fides Service) -“We can never, never keep silent on this great evil in our country. We can never say enough has been done to restore peace” the Catholic Bishops of Uganda say with regard to the civil war which has afflicted the country since 1986. In an Easter Message titled “ A Concern for Peace, Unity And Harmony in Uganda ” , a copy of which was sent to Fides, the Bishops remind national leaders of their responsibility to put an end to the conflict. Since1986 northern Uganda has been devastated by war between the regular army and various guerrilla movements including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and civilians pay the price, especially children enlisted by force to fight in the ranks of both army and rebel troops.
“We appeal to both Government and LRA to be sincerely and honestly committed to peaceful negotiations and to agree on a complete cease fire” the Bishops say and they call the people to form a movement for peace: “We appeal to all the people in the affected regions of the North and East especially the Districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Apac, and Soroti: to unite and form a very strong Movement of People for Peace to put pressure on both sides to negotiate. Let the warmongers be fully isolated by the united, effective and powerful movement of people for peace. We appeal to all donors, both within Uganda and from abroad, to fully support this Peace Movement.”
In the Message Bishops review the social, economic and political situation. They say they are happy that “The just concluded Constitutional Review process and the recommendations therein are another indication that a smooth transition is very much in view… from the Movement system to a pluralistic multiparty system”.
In their closing words of advice the Bishops confirm the commitment of the local Catholic Church to work with the government to restore and consolidate peace in Uganda and they say: “ There should be a national commitment to peace education aimed at demilitarizing the minds of the people, replacing a language of violence with a language of peace”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/5/2004, righe parole)


Share: