The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, has urged the people of Karamoja to embrace peace and unity for their communities’ peaceful coexistence as well as development.
Minister Mutuuzo was speaking at the official launch of the Karamoja Cultural Festival on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Napeikori grounds in Karenga district, where the week-long festival is taking place.
She highlighted the significant progress that has been made in promoting peaceful coexistence and stability in the Karamoja region, acknowledging the impact such a festival is making in fostering unity among the Ateker communities.
“This festival is a celebration to strengthen the communities to resort to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors,” Mutuuzo said.
She noted that peace and security are the cornerstones of development, urging the locals not to take them for granted.
“We must continue to preserve the security and unity of our country under the wise leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, as our society fabric must be at peace.
This is in line with Agenda 2030 and specifically under SDG16, which seeks to build a peaceful, inclusive society and building strong institutions and the desired socio-economic transformation for our people,” Minister Mutuuzo noted.
On her side, Akello Rose Lilly, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, asked the people of Karamoja to embrace government programs like the Parish Development Modal (PDM), Emyooga, among others, to foster regional development.
She thanked President Museveni for supporting the cultural event and also advised the locals to embrace peace and unity across all the Ateker tribes in Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan.
Karamoja region has over the years grappled with insecurity resulting from intercommunity cattle rustling.
However, governments deliberate efforts to end the vice through activities like the disarmament of the rustlers and fostering unity are proving effective in stabilizing the region.
