By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has summoned Kilak South MP, Gilbert Oulanya on allegations of hate speech and sectarianism against Balalo (herdsmen) in Acholi sub-region in Northern Uganda.
“Whereas your attendance is required in response to allegations of using divisive and discriminatory language in reference to Balalo in Acholi sub-region contrary to Article 21 of the constitution which language if acted upon may lead to hateful sentiments and violence against the community,” read a summon by UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya.
According to Wangadya’s statement, the lawmaker has been summoned to appear before the commission on November 6 at 10am.
The conflicts between Acholi people and the Balalo community started way back with the former accusing the latter of occupying their land forcefully and grazing their cattles in their cultivation farms.
The president had set October 20 as the date for eviction of Balalo from Acholi but he in a twist of events changed his mind and extended the eviction order to 20 days which raised many unanswered questions among Acholi leaders.
Museveni used his powers under executive order 3, to extend the implementation of this eviction until November 15.
This was after a meeting with 39 leaders from Acholi sub-region led by Chief Justice Owinyi-Dollo, Northern Uganda state minister, Freedom Grace Kwiyucwiny, Foreign Affairs minister Henry Okello Oryem, Disaster and preparedness minister Hillary Onek, Acholi MPs; Anthony Akol and Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, LC5 Chairpersons for Lamwo, Amur and Nwoya districts, traditional chiefs and LC3 chairpersons of the area to discuss the matter. The meeting however, ended fruitlessly as the legislators and local leaders insisted on the total eviction order.
The decision to extend the eviction order has sparked debate amongst the population leaving leaders and natives exchanging bitter words to with the government.
