AFRICA/UGANDA - Catholic Bishops of Uganda call for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to solve conflicts in the country expressing concern for proliferation of armed groups

Saturday, 10 December 2005

Kampala (Fides Service) - In a pastoral letter addressed to Catholics and all Ugandans of good will the Bishops of Uganda have urged the government to establish a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to solve the bloody conflicts which have plagued the country for some time.
“We suggest that an instrument for reconciliation be instituted (possibly a national conference) to discuss and analyse the conflicts in this country and agree on how to resolve them” the Bishops say in the Pastoral letter “Towards a Democratic and Peaceful Uganda based on the common good”.
“But in order for such initiative to succeed it should be adequately participatory and accompanied by openness and sincerity on the part of every Ugandan who in one way or another contributed to the bloody past and present” the Bishops underline.
The Bishops speak of the political situation in Uganda expressing satisfaction for progress of the multiparty democracy, with the registration of no less than 33 parties for elections in March 2006. However the Bishops note with concern that most local political forces are involved in sterile internal battles instead of concentrating their efforts on developing serious political proposals to face the problems of the nation.
“We have also observed with great concern the militaristic trend developing in the transition process, with some parties already forming or planning to form Youth brigades to promote their manifestoes through use of violence” the Bishops write.
They urge the government to find solutions for the conflict which still bloody Uganda. Referring to fighting in Gulu northern Uganda the Bishops write: “We once again reiterate our call to Government to do all it can to end the war in the North without any further delays. We do understand that significant achievements have been recorded in terms of security of people and property - reduction in abductions, security on roads and the surrender of many Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) fighters - thanks to the Government and to the Amnesty Act and the efforts of Ms. Betty Bigombe and different religious and political groups in Northern Uganda.”.
Concerning disarmament in Karamoja, the Bishops say “we call for transparency and commitment in the process so that it becomes a really effective intervention. We suggest that the exercise include other fundamental issues in Karamoja, such as apparent marginalisation of Karamoja, poverty, raids and road thuggery, and cultural rigidities among others that have hampered any positive progress in that part of the country.”. The Bishops also express concern for paramilitary groups operating in north and east of Uganda “taking over the role of the army”.
“As for the Church, the pastoral agents such as Priests, Religious, Catechists, Justice and Peace Commissions in the whole country should educate the people on the political transition through provision of accurate information using all available means. In their duties they should be governed by a deep appreciation of impartiality in order to maintain the confidence of all sides competing for political power” The Bishops conclude. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2005 righe 42 parole 475)


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