Gulu Archdiocese and Kotido Catholic Diocese joined hands to organize peaceful prayers in Kamrono, Lapono Sub County, Agago district. These prayers aimed to address the longstanding issue of cattle rustling and insecurity that has affected the Acholi and Karamoja regions. The theme for this event was “Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace,” inspired by Luke 1:29.
The peaceful prayers witnessed the presence of bishops from Kotido and Gulu, Agago district security team, leaders, and reformed warriors who came together to discuss strategies for ending cattle rustling and insecurity caused by warriors.
The Archbishop of Gulu, John Baptist Odama, emphasized the importance of these prayers in promoting peace, remembering those who lost their lives, and those injured by cattle warriors in Acholi and Karamoja regions. He called for unity and dialogue between the two neighboring communities, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence.
Bishop Dominic Eibu Lokut of Kotido Catholic Diocese expressed his sadness and apologized for the pain caused by people in Karamoja to the Acholi community. He believed that the prayers marked the beginning of a peacebuilding process and urged the government to continue with voluntary disarmament efforts.
Reformed warriors who had once participated in cattle raiding shared their testimonies of transformation. Francis Rudukwe, a reformed Karasuna leader from Kotido, mentioned that their group had previously stolen cattle from neighboring districts. He had witnessed many casualties and decided to advocate for peace. They had voluntarily handed over more than a hundred guns to the government.
Peter Epokot, a reformed warrior and chairperson of Karasuna Peace Campion in Kotido, expressed his gratitude for the government’s amnesty program, which encouraged raiders to surrender their weapons voluntarily for the sake of peace.
Community members, like Jane Logel, appreciated the importance of these prayers in revitalizing hope, unity, and love among the affected population. Jacob Lowari, the coordinator of the Justice and Peace department of Kotido Catholic Diocese, believed that this event would have a positive impact on the regions.
Leaders in attendance, such as Leonard Ojok, the LC5 chairperson of Agago District, and Robinson Nok Kidega, the resident district commissioner of Agago District, emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and encouraged religious leaders to explain the significance of harmony to the warriors. State Minister Beatrice Akello Akori announced the government’s commitment to compensate those affected by cattle rustling.
In summary, the joint prayers held by Gulu Archdiocese and Kotido Catholic Diocese aimed to address the issue of cattle rustling and insecurity in Acholi and Karamoja regions, fostering unity and peace among the communities.
