Our Internal Division - Is One Big Obstacle to Peace

Zeru O. O. Abukha, Frankfurt, Germany

At the moment we the Acholi people are at the darkest moment in our history. Our main problem is the war between the Government of Uganda and the LRA. At the same time we are not realising that our minor internal differences are actually not the cause of our problems. Hon. Norbert Mao, (M.P) once said, "It is at times darkest at dawn". When we take a trip inside this proverb, we realise that it is at dawn when the stars and the moon have all set, and people walking in the darkness might confront difficulties. If there is some one leading the way slowly, the people following start complaining about their leadership and some may lose hope and give up. We Acholi people, who have lived in harmony as a united people from time immemorial, are now torn apart at this dark moment. We still do not know if this dark moment will go away soon. We must face the future as a common destination and do something good for our well being. But we must throw away those tiny differences and prepare for the coming daylight together and in unity.

Often when we come across problems we resort to rumours to explain the cause of the problems. If the issue, at hand turns out to have a positive effect on our society, we will be willing to talk about it openly, but if it impacts negatively, we tend to conceal it, and talk about it in secret. This is not helpful.

With respect to the obstacles to peace, we should boldly face issues. If we are united and speak with one voice, then the two war lords will listen. But so long as we still think our individual imaginations and concepts are the best for Acholi, I believe we shall ourselves be contributing to the obstacles to our peace.