wfn.org | LWF general secretary urges resolution of conflict in Uganda

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

Major financial commitment for development  program

KAMPALA, Uganda/ GENEVA, 12 February 1999 (lwi) - The Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) general secretary, Ishmael Noko, has called on the
Government of Uganda to redouble its efforts in facilitating a
comprehensive approach to resolve the vicious cycle of poverty and
conflict in the north of the country, if  any meaningful development is to
take place there.

Noko said LWF stands ready to be a partner with the government,
international and religious communities,  and civil society to work toward
a durable political solution.

He made these remarks during a four-day visit to LWF/ Department for World
Service (LWF/ DWS)  projects in the East African country. He also
announced that the federation will undertake development programs worth
some US $ 6.5 million in Uganda between 1999 and 2002. In addition, the
LWF will  implement other assistance in partnership with the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Program
(WFP) and other agencies to the tune of US $1.5 million per annum within
the four-year period.

During his 31 January - 3 February 1999 visit, Noko noted that Uganda will
be accorded high prioritization within the development programs of the
LWF, so as to support the people in all aspects in the search for peace
and development at home and in the region.

"The LWF will continue to be a pair of willing hands to help, and be a
voice to advocate for the peoples of Uganda, to strengthen their efforts
towards peace in the country and the region, and economic and social
development," Noko said.

Citing the "belt of conflict" in Africa, he noted that unless and until
countries like Uganda are able to find the right formula for a just peace
within their own borders and in relation to their neighbors, Africa will
continue to be known as a continent of conflict.

The LWF general secretary, whose delegation also held discussions with
several government ministers, paid tribute to the women of Uganda,  who he
said, are showing their leadership qualities in government and elsewhere.
"I look forward to the day when the mothers and daughters of Africa take
on the roles of Ministers for Defense, Police and Security. When that day
comes, the dream of peace for the continent will be closer to
realization," he added.

Having met with leaders of Christian and Muslim communities in the East
African country, the general secretary underscored the role of religious
leaders and communities of faith in the search for peace in the region. He
said it had emanated from many of such discussions that the time may be
right for all religious leaders in the "belt of conflict", to come
together and consult on how to promote and achieve peace from the common
perspective of faith and concern for fundamental human dignity.

The LWF Uganda program comprises three projects in the northern,
northwestern and southwestern parts of the country. In the agro-
pastoralist relief and rehabilitation project in Karamoja in the north,
the LWF/ DWS is assisting the local community to promote traditional forms
of conflict resolution. Southwest in Rakai, LWF supports communities that
are seriously affected by the AIDS pandemic through education and
awareness building, counseling and practical help for the orphans and
affected families. In Adjumani, in the northwest, the LWF provides
assistance to the refugee communities in a way that promotes integration
and eventually benefits the community as a whole.

Poverty and conflict have been prevalent in northern Uganda with
successive regimes. Despite numerous efforts by the present government,
the situation has not improved. Uganda is one of the 14 African countries
where the LWF/ DWS is carrying out emergency assistance, rehabilitation
and development  operations. Worldwide, the LWF/ DWS operates 24 field
programs, of which 10 are in Asia and Latin America.

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Lutheran World Information
Assistant Editor, English: Pauline Mumia
E-mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/