SPEECH BY HON. GEN. ARONDA NYAKAIRIMA, MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS,
GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA
AT
THE GREATER NORTH WAR VICTIMS WORKSHOP
27TH - 30TH NOV 2013, LIRA HOTEL
All Protocol observed
Allow me to welcome you to this very important workshop aimed at addressing grave violations and abuses that affect us. First and foremost, do allow me to thank the leadership of the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), for the commendable work being done AYINET. My special thanks go to the victims and survivors for having honoured this invitation to participate in this workshop. This shall go an extra mile in maintenance of peace and unity of our Country. Allow me also to thank the Youth who have realised the need to advocate for Justice in Uganda. This is a total recommitment by the young generation in the 21st century. Further, I thank the civil society organisations for their continued efforts in supporting and convening workshops of this nature.
In working together, we emerge stronger than ever before and are able to achieve total peace and security based on national reconciliation as affirmed in the theme of this conference “from victims to survivors, the struggle for reparation, remedies and justice”
For those of you who know the history of our country, we achieved independence after a series of rebellions by the local people that were often organised according to their kingdoms, chiefdoms and other political structures that were operational by then. These wars made us to remain behind as a country until 1986 when the country was liberated from tyranny, but was later pre-occupied again by rebellious forces that cost us a lot.
I am well aware that many of you here have been victims in addition to many Ugandans who have been directly affected by this political turmoil in Uganda. I am therefore convinced that your presence here is a sign of commitment and willingness to work with the government of Uganda to change that history.
In regard to the subject that brings us together here today, I want to assure you that the successful implementation of the transitional justice mechanisms, whether at the local or national level, depends on their accessibility to the victims of human rights abuse, which calls for familiarity with the standards and access to remedial mechanisms. I am so glad that the objective of this war victim’s conference is to enhance dialogue and access, by making sure those victims and survivors of conflicts understand transitional justice as well as realising their roles in all processes. On behalf of the government, allow me to reassure the victims of conflicts in Uganda that;
1. The government has a strong political will to engage with you so that the strategic remedies are available to them. This calls for tripartite role between the war victims, Government and NGO’s for the betterment of Uganda as true patriots.
2. I also give you the assurance that there will be no reoccurrence of war in Northern Uganda and any other part of the country. The NRM government which has availed an enabling ground for democratic governance will also ensure that peace and stability is maintained.
3. The government is also ready and willing to work with you to achieve national reconciliation, peace and justice.
Therefore, as we overlook the shadow of war, our policy is not against any person, ethnicity, or political party, but rather against poverty, a repeat of war and injustices of all forms. Together we can transform our communities from economic ruins to economic gains by ensuring the peace and security we have always yearned for.
Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET) and partners involved, for taking a bold step towards advocating for and engaging the victims and survivors of war in the transitional justice processes. I am sure that the youth are now ready to take charge of national matters, which is good. For years you have been able to mobilize and provide assistance to victims and the affected population, and as government, we strongly encourage you to continue the efforts of empowering and speaking for the voiceless.
I wish you a very successful mobilization in advance of the national war victims’ conference in May 2014. I also wish to call upon other NGOs and development partners to learn from these young stars and understand that it’s time to work for the betterment of our communities and especially those in up country settings.
I wish you fruitful deliberations and hereby declare this workshop open.
I thank you
Gen. Aronda Nyakairima-cgsc (Mp)
MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS