On
the 10th August 2016, the communities in Bundibugyo District participated
in the Marathon for Peace. The Marathon was organized by Bundibugyo Students Association
(BUSA) with support from Rwenzori Information Centers Network (RIC-NET). The marathon was an effort by the youth in the community to foster peaceful coexistence. The theme of the day was “running
for peaceful co-existence”. The
trek involved running 2km for the corporate and 10Km for all other participants.
The chief runner was the LCV chairperson Bundibugyo District.
The
Peace marathon attracted a number of people including, the Prime Ministers of
OBudingya Bwa Bwamba and Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBB and OBR), the Mayor Bundibugyo
Town Council, the security personnel represented by the District Police Command
(DPC), Regional police command (RPC) and District internal security officer (DISO),
the religious leaders represented by the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese Rt. Rev.Rauben
Kilembe, Local Government staff and other political, cultural and religious leaders.
Other who participated in the marathon Students, business community, members
from CBOs and NGOs.
 |
| Left to Right: Hon Mutotro PM of OBR,Hon Mubulya PM of OBB,Vice chariman ,Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese |
In
his remarks, the Bishop called upon the cultural institutions to understand the
constitutional mandate of the cultural institutions and their roles in the
community. He mentioned that “your involvements in matters that are outside your
mandate are the ones causing conflicts”. The cultural institutions must guide the people to work towards preserving their culture. He also mentioned that a cultural institution does not own a particular place since a lot of conflicts are base on geographical boundaries. He referred to chapter 4 article 37 of the Ugandan constitution.
On
the other hand, the Prime minister of OBR Hon Yeremiya Mutoro mentioned that
Peaceful co-existence means walking and talking words of peace and practicing what
we talk especially us the leaders. We must remain open to our subjects and feed
them with the necessary and right information that promotes peaceful living. Our forefathers
fought together and thus we must leave together as a family. Wilson Mubulya the
PM of OBB mentioned that, “we must separate cultural institution from
Rwenzururu movement”. Let us work on the mindset and respect and
implement the resolutions and agreement we make as leaders especially the
Mubende Peace Agreement and the 14th April 2016 agreement between
Omusinga and Omudingya.
It
was agreed that 10th August be declared a peace day. On the same day tree planting was carried out which signifies planting of the seed of peace in the community. Cleaning of the hospital and other places in town in Bundibujyo to enhance healthy living in the community and collective action.
