The Archbishop of Gulu, John-Baptist Odama, has cautioned the people of Northern Uganda against causing divisions in society, saying they are contradicting Christian principles.
Speaking during the Peace Week at St. Monica in Gulu Municipality — his inaugural address to Christians followers, Archbishop Odama told the different religious denominations form the dioceses of Gulu, Nebbi, Arua, Lira and South Sudan to always come together and live in harmony.
“We do not want anymore guns and violence. People in northern Uganda can get everlasting peace through community dialogue and settling the disputes among the community,” Odama said.
He added: “Though guns are silent, there are land conflicts among the people in Acholi sub region that need collective and serious effort if we are to overcome them.”
The holy man’s remarks were complimented by Mr. Oyet Simon, Member of Parliament for Nwoya County who said ‘bringing peace requires everyone to join hands together and speak the same language.’
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels killed hundreds of during the two-decade war that rocked north and part of eastern Uganda.
A two-decade war that rocked north and part of eastern Uganda perpetuated was by Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony displaced an estimate of 1.5 million and tens of thousands lost their lives.
About Peace Week
Inaugurated in 2006 at its first anniversary in Adjumani in Arua Diocese, the Peace Week event is meant to gather the people to reflect and share and pray together for reconciliation and peace especially among the people of different ethnic groups who in the past found themselves in conflict; due to political, religious and tribal divisions.
Although it is the brain-child of the Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu, it brings together people of all faiths and beliefs, political divides, educational and economic status and cultural backgrounds for a common mission to promote peace in the region., pursuant of peace in the northern part of Uganda.
By Willbroad Onencan, Gulu Municipality
