PADER PEACE SUMMIT SPEECH

Bloggers I was invited to present a speech on rural communications in enhancing conflict mitigation.Here is my speech for the submit.

PADER PEACE FORUM PRESENTATION


THEME: REBUILED PADER FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE


2ND PADER PEACE SUMMIT
SCHEDULLED 27TH -29TH


THE ROLE OF RURAL COMMUNICATION IN CONFLICT MITIGATION


BY: ALIKER DAVID MARTIN
BOSCOUganda
0772865866




The pleasure of being here is because we were all victims, we are all survivors, and we have withered the storm. For 20yrs, we have carried the cross of hatred and hegemony, the cross of violence and revenge; we have carried the cross of disease and despair.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I stand here not because I am an icon of peace,
Neither am I here because I am a beacon of love,
We are here because we are ambassadors of hope; we are here as witnesses to a new dawn in Acholi History,
We are here to denounce violent culture and tonight we are here to give our children a chance to be loved
As we live in the shadow of our lost glory, peace will forever be the first article of our faith.
To Many, Peace is not the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of justice
It’s tragic to note that a distinguished tribe was reduced to mere destitute in their homeland
That our people were turned to mere statistics of poverty indicaters.Not only were 30000 children abducted but this very devilish war led to the Isolation of our people from the rest of the world and the destruction of infrastructure hence poor information flow and communication
To day I hear the voices of reason; I hear voices of peace and patience
Pader today calls her children to listen to the drums of peace
Rural communication has played a significant role during the recent peace talks
Using the different Radio stations, our people have vigorously participated in calling on the rebels to lay down their weapons and stand for peace.
Radio programs have helped to mobilize and unite our people in the call for peace
For the first time in this country since Independence Ugandans spoke one language and it’s that of peace. This is what we call positive citizenship
We can not ignore the role of telecommunication services in advancing the peace Agenda
Both warring parties were able to interact freely on phones. This saved time and resources. Those who were in captivity for decades were able to listen to their dear ones again. This helped to fast truck the peace process to realize the fruits of peace today
ICT was very instrumental in documentation, informing gathering and communication with those who participated in the peace process but could not be at the jungles. Media houses were able to play their executive role of providing access to information and sharing of ideas. Whenever there was a fall out the media were responsible for the pressure to bring the parties back in dialogue by representing the views of the local people.
As we look into avenues of conflict mitigation, a number of NGO’s have come up with programs that focus on the return and resettlement of the local people.
BOSCOUganda is a new NGO integrating ICT in the rural community using Solar Panels to charge Batteries that operate Low power PCSs.We are currently looking at providing ICT training in the rural community using Web 2.0 training method so that our people can participate in;
E-Governance(Observance of Human Rights, using email and SMS,Chat boards to deliberate on their governance)
E-Agriculture(creation of Agricultural database, access to marketing information etc)
Health(SMS Chats, health database for common sickness)
Education(socially linking classrooms,documentation,e-libraries,Research etc)
News and linking people on emergencies through VOIP
The mission of BOSCOUganda is to provide Communication and Information Technology to foster Social and Economic Development and Peace Building in Rural Communities of Northern Uganda using a collaborative, web-based Approach.
Friends, If we spend time regretting the past, we will not only loose the present but even risk the future. Allow me conclude with an inspirational story of my late Dad.
In 1996, a team of medical staff approached my Dad to lead a medical strike since as a respected medical practioner, he understood best their struggle.
After listening attentively my Dad turned and asked them, of my many Children who of you will then look after my children when I am no more.
The next week before taking us back to school he took us before Makerere University Gate and without entering Makerere compound He told us “My Children this is where Ugandans Share the national CAKE”
The only way our Children will be the same with the privileged Children in this country is through Education. Whatever opportunities we have missed in life, our Children will have if we take them to school
I Salute you all