Arcadia Foundation

Thirteen people have been honoured for their contribution to peace in northern Uganda, including Arcadia Foundation President Betty Bigombe.

The 13 additionally included Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. Both he and Ms. Bigombe have been actively involved in negotiations with the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels to bring peace to the north and have moreover never stopped fighting for the rights of Ugandans domestically and on an international scale.

They were honoured during the International Peace Day celebrations held at Kololo Independence Grounds.

Continued, as excerpted from The New Vision:

The ceremony was presided over by the disaster preparedness minister, Tarsis Kabwegyere, and organised by the national platform for peace building, under the Prime Minister’s office.

Kabwegyere said the Government initiated peace talks with the Lord’s Resistance Army through individuals like Bigombe and the Juba Peace talks led by Rugunda.

Others who were honoured and received certificates included Police chief Maj. Gen. Kale kayihura, UPDF land forces commander Gen. Katumba wamala, the internal affairs permanent secretary, Steven Kagoda, archbishop John Baptist Odama, and the Omukama of Bunyoro Kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru.

Referring to this year’s theme for the peace day; ‘Youth for peace and development’, Kabwegyere said the Government attached great importance to the day and the youth because they are the pillars and building blocks of the country.

“Youth, you should not accept to be used as tractors to promote violence. Instead maintain and build the peace we have enjoyed for the last 24 years, so that the future generation finds a peaceful and stable Uganda,” he added.

On the regional scene, Kabwergyere said Uganda’s geo-political position makes it prone to conflicts. He cited Uganda’s porous borders and unstable neighbouring states like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

“These countries are often used as channels for proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which are partly responsible for fuelling armed conflicts in the country and the region,” he noted.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye said the Government should reintroduce national service to instil discipline and patriotism among the youth.

“It is high time we take people back to Kyankwanzi where they can learn basic life skills and love for their country,” he explained.

Kulayigye added that the youth are associated with crime because they had been abandoned.

Information minister Kabakumba Masiko appealed to the public to promote peace especially now during the pre-elections period. We’ll have more on that in the days to come and can ensure our dedicated readership should stay tuned for the next major release from Arcadia Foundation and her President, Ms. Bigombe!

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