MPs ask for resolution to Acholi-Karimojong conflicts

Abim District Members of Parliament led by Hon. Janet Okori-moe Akech (NRM, Abim District) and Hon. Michael Ayepa (NRM, Labwor) have appealed to the Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah, to intervene in the conflicts between the Acholi and Karimojong. Akech said that there are reports of land conflicts and cattle rustling by the Karimojong.

“As a senior leader in the government, we need your intervention so that we can have total peace in your society here and co-exist in harmony,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker, who was presiding over a fundraising ceremony for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alerek, Abim District on Saturday, 24 November 2018, gave assurances to the leaders saying everything is possible and all misunderstandings can be resolved.

“I am going to talk to the president and we shall come up with a formidable solution to the misunderstandings in the area but first I want us to be positive that these issues will be resolved,” Oulanyah said.

Additionally, Ayepa said that as it approaches budget time, the Deputy Speaker should assist in making sure that the presidential pledges to the region are fulfilled.

“The president saw that roads were bad in the previous election especially the road connecting Agago, Abim, Kaabong and Kotido and he promised to have them worked on so we need him to fulfil the pledge,” Ayepa said.

He added that Abim also needs a dam to boost water supply in the area and as a counter-measure to drought.

The Speaker promised to remind the president of all the pledges he had made.

During the fundraising, the Deputy Speaker contributed shs3 million in cash for the completion of the church whereas Ayepa and Akech each donated shs2 million.