Adungu

By Richard Ekotu
SOROTI – Amuria District council is torn apart over the Teso-Karamoja peace co-existence initiative programme (TEKAPIP).

Sources from Amuria say Hon. Julius Ochen, the chairman of the Local Council 5, on the 13^th June 2008 tabled a motion in council for the ratification of the policy for work relationship between Teso and Karamoja. He was thrown out by councilors led by Hon. Robert Adiama Ekaju, local councilor five for Wera Sub-county Amuria District, with the reason that there was no draft policy document given to councilors to look through before ratification.

However in a twist of events Ochen back the issue of Teso -Karamoja on the 30^th June 2008 bounced to council to be approved this time as a project spear headed by Amuria District representing the Teso Districts of Katakwi, Kumi, Bukedea and is to be implemented in partnership with support from Teso Initiative for Peace (TIP), OCODI, CHIPS and World Food Program among others and a section of councilors approved this.

On the other hand the districts of Nakapiripirit, Moroto and Abim will represent Karamoja in the implementation of this project.

The Honorable councilors who voted in favor of the project areinclude

Ocen Julius Dictrict chairman

Ebiru Paul Vice chairman Orungo sub-county

Anago Jane Morungatuny Sub-county

Arocha ocheng Samuel Acowa Sub-county

Aga Moses Eceru Morungatuny Sub-county

Ilalu Iren

Engemu James Obalanga Sub-County

Acam Betty Kuju Sub-County

Asimo Betty Orungo

Meanwhile the Honorable councilors who voted against the project are,

Adiama Ekaju Robert Wera Sub-county

Acen Rose Mary Acowa Sub-county

Isamukere Florence Woman representative for people with disability

Engoru Echemu Disability representative

Acuro James Kapelebyong Sub-county

Otim Omuron Asamuk Sub-county

Tebenyak John Robert youth councilor Amuria

The councilors who voted against said Amuria District leadership did not consults the leaders from other Teso districts for this particular issue and have no right to do business on their half.

Mean while the chairman local council five Amuria said this would help improve the relation between the Karimojongs and the people of Teso hence eliminating the raids.

Teso Karamoja relations have been frajile since the raids started in the region and many lives have been lost.