Alfred Wasike
5 February 2008
Kampala — THE indictment of LRA leaders by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is not an obstacle to reconciliation or justice in northern Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has said.
He described the ICC as complementary justice that addresses impunity.
He said it was LRA apologists deceiving the world that the ICC is an obstacle.
"The ICC is against impunity so am I and I hope so are you," he added.
Museveni was reacting to questions at a press conference he addressed together with visiting German President Horst Kohler at State House Entebbe on Monday.
Impunity, Museveni said, comes about if the national jurisdiction is unwilling to try the criminals or unable as the case is for Uganda. He added the Ugandan criminals fled to the DR Congo.
"We cannot get there unless we attack our neighbour to get the criminals."
Museveni said the Government had provided a soft landing to the rebels using traditional justice to allow them account for their crimes, but they had remained in hiding.
The President said there was a 14-point ongoing programme for the reconstruction of the north.
Turning to investments, Museveni urged Germans to emulate birds. "Germans and other Europeans should imitate what birds learnt a long time ago.
"During winter, birds fly to Africa and only return to Europe during summer. Why don't Europeans do that too?"
In his comments, Kohler said Uganda was on "the right development track" and was "an anchor of stability in the conflicts in the region." He said he was impressed by Uganda's fight against poverty.
"The number of people living in poverty has been reduced from 60% to 30%. Uganda is a shining example in Africa."
Commenting on the situation in Kenya, Sudan and Chad, which have civil strife, Kohler said: "One of the reasons for the conflicts is joblessness. The only way out for Africa is job creation."
Yesterday, just before he arrived at Coope displaced people's camp in Gulu, fire broke out and destroyed at least 20 huts.
Explaining the cause of the fire, Police chief Peter Wateya said: "Some people were cooking outside and wind blew a spark to the roof of a hut, causing a flame that quickly caught other huts."
A fire brigade truck from Gulu town arrived shortly afterwards and put out the fire. But several women ignored the Police and tried to save their property from the burning huts.
Speaking to the displaced, Kohler urged the delegates to the Juba peace talks to ensure that the process is not reversed.
Peace was a prerequisite for development, he said, and pledged Germany's support to the region.
Acting northern Uganda minister Nyombi Thembo noted that the peace in the north was stable.
Gulu chairperson Norbert Mao said Kohler's visit had made Gulu people feel cared for.
"Suffering alone is more painful but suffering when you know you have friends gives you hope."
Additional reporting by John Odyek in Gulu
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