Govt asked to aid victims of Rwenzori attacks
Rwenzururu king Charles Mumbere and Bamba king Martin Kamya address
Bundibugyo District residents recently. PHOTO BY RUTH KATUSABE
By FRANCIS TUSIIME & ENID NINSIIMA
Posted Tuesday, February 3 2015 at 02:00
Posted Tuesday, February 3 2015 at 02:00
Kasese.
The Bwamba cultural leader has asked government to set up a special fund to address the needs of people whose lives were affected by tribal clashes in Rwenzori sub-region last year.
The Bwamba cultural leader has asked government to set up a special fund to address the needs of people whose lives were affected by tribal clashes in Rwenzori sub-region last year.
Lt Col (rtd) Martin Ayongi Kamya said the Kasese and Bundibugyo clashes disrupted tourism and other economic activities.
“A special fund should be put in place to resettle
the people who suffered during the attacks so that they become
economically empowered,” Col Kamya said. He made the remarks at the
closure of a conference in Kasese Town that was organised by Kabarole
Research and Resource Centre last week. The retreat attracted cultural,
religious and political leaders from the sub-region.
Col Kamya also urged cultural leaders in the region to work for peace.
“Where there is peace, there is development and
this calls for collective efforts from both political leaders and
cultural leaders,” he said.
He also appealed to the government to examine the major causes of the attacks and take measures to avoid any reoccurrences.
Speaking at the same function, the Rwenzururu
king, Mr Charles Wesley Mumbere, said people in the sub-region should
put their ethnic differences aside and focus on development.
“We should focus on value addition and getting market for our produce and this will bring development,” Mr Mumbere said.
“Rwenzori is a rich region with fertile soils. We
must encourage people to develop agriculture instead of mobilising
people basing on tribes and clans,” he said.
BACKGROUND
More than 90 people were killed in clashes that erupted in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts on July 5 last year. Groups of youth attacked police barracks, army detaches and families. More than 200 suspects were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the clashes.
More than 90 people were killed in clashes that erupted in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts on July 5 last year. Groups of youth attacked police barracks, army detaches and families. More than 200 suspects were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the clashes.
Accessed on 3rd/02/2015 from: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Govt-asked-to-aid-victims-of-Rwenzori-attacks/-/688334/2610810/-/40vpcy/-/index.html
