By Joshua Imalingat
It was all pomp, color and joy as hundreds of youths, women and elders from Karamoja sub region converged for the first ever Youth (Karachuna’s) peace celebration at Kanair sub county Kotido district.
Solely, an initiative of the youthful Karamojong, the celebration which started with a holy mass led by Rev. Fr Ignatius Nshing, on Saturday 20th January 2024 drew participants from the five districts of Kotido, Kaabong, Napak, Moroto and Amudat.
Held at Potongor peace center in Kanair sub county, under heavy deployment of the joint security forces including police and UPDF, the initiative was supported by the justice and peace department of Kotido diocese.
The celebration according to the youths was aimed at strengthening the current relative peace, mourn those who perished in the conflict, thank God for those who survived the conflict and ask for forgiveness from one another for the omissions, and sins committed against one another and the neighbors.
The function was punctuated with traditional dances commonly known as “Edong” from all the participating groups who arrived at the venue a board military truck.
Drawing his message from the prodigal son, Rev. Fr Raphael Lobeere the co-celebrant while delivering the homily asked the youths to shun the raiding vice, seek for forgiveness and embrace other alternatives to livelihood.
Maj General Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd division infantry commander who was in attendance commended the youths for the initiate saying it’s a clear indicator that the region is embracing peace.
A number of youths from different districts who spoke during the meeting prayed for sustained peace in the region saying all will be well if they stick to the current peace prevailing in the region.
Nicola Carradoli the coordinator and advisor Justice and peace department of Kotido diocese asked those in authority to always pay attention to the needs of the common man saying all conflicts are as a result of failure by those in authority to listen to the cries of the oppressed. He also expressed his disappointment that a number of leaders left early before listening to the message of the youths.
