Bundibugyo District
leaders held an interface meeting to
review the reports on conflicts and human rights violations as shared by the
citizens/community members and the application of the provisions of the
Cultural Institutions Act at community. Present in the meeting were LCV
chairperson, RDC, DISO, DPC, CAO, Resident state Attorney, ministers from OBB
and OBR, leaders from faith based organization, UWA, women council leaders PWDs
leaders and the Youth leaders and CDOs and police OC station for the
implementing sub counties.
The
key issues highlighted in the report were the role of individual in fueling
conflicts. These are individual related and or working in the disguise of
cultural institutions. Most citizens report conflicts related to the
relationship with the armed forces, domestic related matters, land and matters
related to handling cases in court and at police stations.
According
the CO of Kanyamwirima Army Barracks, he agreed with the report and mentioned
that “most people
lack exposure…community still think individuals are bigger than them”. We need therefore to identify those few individuals
who are using their power, influence and authority to cause problems in the District.
It was noted that what appear in the reports is because the armed personnel
relate more often with the community than any other public servant.
It
was therefore resolves that, the office of the DCDO to direct all CDOs to
conduct community sensitization on peace and conflict management than leaving
the work to the NGOs. A further analysis of the current status after several
interventions should be done to evaluate the efforts already put in place.
Since children are most affected by conflicts, a review of the implementation of
children related legal frameworks should be done to ensure children are
protected. The CAO pledge to conduct a breakfast briefing with the civil
servants reminding them of their mandate to protect children, women and other
socially excluded groups for the good of the community.
In
his closing remarks, the LCV chairperson mentioned that “...we must all work on the attitude and
mindset of the people, to look at bundibugyo as our home where we all need to
enjoy...ensure our people concentrate on issues that have value than mere
politicking..”. We must all support
and work on these areas highlighted in the report to improve the peaceful
situation that we are starting to enjoy.
