The peace talks in Juba have been on hold for the last three months to allow the Ugandan Government and LRA to consult and prepare for the crucial next stage, negotiations on specific domestic justice mechanisms.
The consultation by LRA delegates in northern region is going on, with both challenges and successes registered in the past month. The entire Acholi sub region has unanimously agreed to have LRA top commanders go through the traditional justice system, while West Nile, Teso region and Karamoja are divided on the issue. Non Acholi speakers are of the opinion that Kony and his top commanders should be prosecuted in The Hague. At least three LRA consultations held outside the Acholi sub region were marked with booing, yelling and heckling at the delegates who were at pain to assure the community that Kony is genuine in his promises to end the war.
The alleged split within the ranks and file of LRA is casting doubt in the hearts and minds of the people in the north. A recent media report that a number of LRA soldiers have surrenderd to the MONUC in DRC is worrying the local population.
Another concern is the issue about killing of Vincent Otti by Kony. This has raised a lot of foul play in the Juba Peace process. Kony has repeatedly said through the Resident District Commissioner and Local Chairman that Otti is under house arrest for accusation that he was planning to assassinate him.
Local community members are questioning the seriousness with which Kony is pursuing the peace process.
Project Preparation
The project preparation continues to focus on the registration of NP in Uganda, fundraising, and maintaining the links to civil society organisations in the North that invited NP.
Written by Oloo Otieno