President, Acholi in angry exchange
Mr Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South County MP
Kampala- Government’s decision to evict residents on Apaa land has drawn protests from leaders in Acholi Sub-region who say they are ready to die in defence of their land.
Mr Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South County MP, called President Museveni’s decision “very poor, primitive and barbaric.”
“You decided that the people of Apaa must evacuate their land. Your Excellency, the decision that you came up with, I would like to say is very poor, so primitive, very barbaric with ill intention,” Mr Olanya said yesterday.
In a February 8 letter, Acholi leaders in diaspora had petitioned Mr Museveni, stating that the Acholi community in Apaa had been humiliated, their houses burnt and violence meted against them with impunity.
“The main purpose of this letter is to get your government to immediately protect the people of Apaa. To ensure that the injured and displaced are provided with basic amenities and returned to their respective places and to prosecute the villains. Your government must provide a peaceful and sustainable solution while recognising the rights of the “indigenous” as defined by UN,” the letter read in part.
They also accused Gen Moses Ali, the First Deputy Prime Minister, of being the main architect of the gang causing mayhem to the Acholi.
Attempts to reach Gen Ali on the matter were futile as his known mobile phone number was switched off by press time.
However, in response, the President blamed the Acholi leaders for tribalising land issues.
He said while he acknowledged the problem and a solution would be got, the Acholi should also stop inciting tribal sentiments.
“I have already directed the Prime Minister to investigate and unearth the instigator of the recent violence. I can guarantee you that action will be taken. Nevertheless, you should also inform your association that this is, in part, due to the ideological mistakes of some of the Acholi leaders. You, indeed, repeat that same mistake in this very letter,” Mr Museveni wrote.
National reserve
He said Apaa is part of a national reserve and therefore, no human habitation will be allowed in the area irrespective of tribal affiliation.
Ms Lucy Akello, the Amuru District Woman MP, said the order is an insult.
“The directive by the President to evict people like dogs has a hidden motive. If there are minerals in the area, government needs to explain to the people and a better mechanism be put in place to address the issue. Government cannot continue to insult our people by only giving them Shs10m. What can this money do?” Ms Akello asked.
She said they had lost hope in the government.
