The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has stressed the pressing need for the government to initiate discussions and negotiation with the Allied for Democratic Forces (ADF) leadership to seek a political resolution that can halt the conflict between the Ugandan government and the armed group.
According to Ssentongo Abdulnoor Kyamundu, the spokesperson for JEEMA, this task should be relatively straightforward as Jamil Mukulu, the ADF leader, is currently in government custody at Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
Kyamundu highlights that the Ugandan government has a history of engaging in negotiations with the ADF and other armed opposition groups, making this approach a viable option.
He also points out that despite the arrest of the ADF leader, he still exerts significant influence over his troops.
"Military might, aggressive posturing, and the use of arms will only result in more innocent Ugandan lives being lost, exacerbating the already dire economic situation in our country," Kyamundu stated.
He further emphasized the adverse impact of the recent killings of tourists on the tourism sector, which contributes approximately 3.6% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs around 1.6 million people.
"We want to assure Ugandans that if the government is willing to engage in dialogue, JEEMA is ready to mediate," he noted.
Kyamundu called upon well-intentioned Ugandans to join their campaign, underscoring that no Ugandan should ever again lose their life when it is possible to put an end to armed insurrections.
In a statement, Kyamundu highlighted how the government has consistently assured the citizens of Uganda about the improved security of their lives and property over the past few years.
"We have been repeatedly told about the success of Uganda's security agencies in defeating insurgent groups opposing the government," he remarked.
He recalled President Museveni's reassurances to Ugandans that rebel groups such as the ADF, Lord Resistance Army (LRA), and others have been significantly weakened.
"Additionally, in 2022, the UPDF launched Operation Shuja, an operation on Congolese soil aimed at eradicating the remaining ADF rebels. Some progress has been reported intermittently," he added.
However, Kyamundu pointed out that armed attacks resulting in the loss of Ugandan lives, including those of high-profile individuals, have continued unabated, with the government attributing them to the ADF and its allies.
Consequently, he noted that the government has persistently arrested members of the Muslim faith, associating them with the insurgent activities.
"Many have been extrajudicially killed, and several others are currently detained in prisons and undisclosed detention centers, commonly referred to as 'safe houses.' We extend our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in these alleged insurgencies," he expressed.
The ADF is a rebel group known for its involvement in acts of violence and terrorism in Uganda.
They have been responsible for numerous attacks, which include killings, kidnappings, and bombings. The government has been actively working to address this issue and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
In recent years, following the arrest of Jamil Mukulu, believed to be the leader of the ADF, the Ugandan government assured its citizens that ADF insurgencies would be brought to an end.
However, the group has continued to operate within the country, as evidenced by a recent incident where a couple on their honeymoon and their guide were tragically killed in a "cowardly terrorist attack" at a national park in south-west Uganda, according to authorities.
Uganda's police reported that the trio was killed, and their vehicle was burned in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Joint forces are actively pursuing suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.
Tourists were from the UK and South Africa, while their guide was Ugandan.
The ADF is an Islamist group linked to IS, with its roots in Uganda but mainly operating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both countries have increased their efforts in recent months to target and combat the group.