In northern Uganda by the end of last June to September, it is estimated that 916,000 people remained in camps, mainly in Acholi sub region, while 539,000 had returned home. Some 381,000 people had moved to new transit sites\ settlements near their villages source UNHCR. People have tested the fruits of illusive peace, significant dividends of the cessation of hostilities agreement and the pace process includes:
- Improved security that has created enabling environment for some IDPs to return home
- Unlimited humanitarian access
- Reduced attacks against civilians both in Uganda and Southern Sudan
- Improved Communications, attitudes and negative statements have reduced
- Camp closing has began with one camp in Oyam district declared closed by UNHCR and GoU this month
Juba Peace talks
Peace negotiations between the LRA and GoU began on the 14th July 2006 in Juba in Southern Sudan. Although the final outcome is not yet clear, there has been progress towards a comprehensive settlement. Three agenda items have been agreed upon and signed out of five. These are:
- The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CHA) signed on 26th Aug 2006
- The Comprehensive Solution Agreement (CSA) signed on 2nd May 2007
- The Accountability and Reconciliation Agreement (ARA) signed on 29th June 2007.At the moment both parties are doing consultations on implementation principles, accountability protocols and reconciliation.
International Criminal Court Vs Traditional Justice & Peace system
The formal and informal justice systems as the mechanism for accountability and the ICC indictment remain a critical issue in the peace process. Many people in northern Uganda if not all, want the wishes of the victims to take precedence. The traditional justice system is favored against ICC justice. The demands at the moment are:
- That the ICC should give peace talks a chance by taking a low profile on its approach.
- That in the spirit of complementarity, the GoU should impress on the UN Security Council to invoke article 16 of the Rome Statute to suspend the arrest warrant for 12 months to enable peace talks move to the next stage.
- That the international community supports the peace process by encouraging both parties to consult widely.
Project Preparation
Designated Project Director Oloo Otieno and consultant Shall Sinha finished the writing of the project proposal for a NP project in Northern Uganda - with about 12 FTMs working with local partners mostly on security concerns of IDPs and returnees to the villages - that has been presented to the IGC that met before the International Assembly (IA) in Nairobi. Because of the short-term character of this submission the IGC was not able to deal with the proposal and is currently (in October) consulting on it. Oloo Otieno in the meantime continues his work to pursue NP’s registration in Uganda and support the fundraising work that has now started. Also Regional Coordinator Ombok Otieno and Strategic Relations Director David Grant spent time after the IA making fundraising visits.
Like the case of Colombia, even if the proposal is being approved its implementation will depend on the necessary funds being raised.
Report written by Oloo Otieno, Shall Sinha and Christine Schweitzer (Programme Director)