According to the Electoral Commission, district, city, municipal, and other local councilors are not required to meet any academic qualifications to run for office. This has been criticized by local leaders who argue that it compromises the quality of deliberations and decision-making.
Moses Draku, the Principal Communications Officer at Amnesty Commission Uganda, explained that the amnesty certificates shield the former fighters from prosecution for crimes committed during the rebellion. The returnees have undergone vocational training in various fields, such as carpentry and tailoring, equipping them with the skills to lead independent lives.
Omona Walter, Chairperson of the village chairpersons and LC1 of Central A' cell noted that the pollution extends beyond the residents and affects travellers passing through the area. He said even those just passing by are not immune to the dust, explaining the problem is widespread, and they are seeing more people fall ill, but the authorities have yet to take action.
Inspector of Police Joe Oloya, the Aswa East Regional Public Relations Officer, reported that the incident took place on Friday night in Dok Lukutu East Cell, Padibe Town Council, Lamwo District.
The meeting, organized by the Justice and Peace departments of the Gulu Archdiocese and the Kotido Catholic Diocese, took place at the Orom sub-county trading center. It brought together reformed former rustlers from Kotido district, who had previously engaged in cattle raiding but have since renounced their violent ways.