Sections:

Press Release

16 May 2006

Benn calls for push to deal with emergency in Northern Uganda

A real push is now needed to deal with the increasingly regional problem posed by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said today. Benn, who spent yesterday visiting camps in Kitgum in northern Uganda inhabited by people who had fled the violence, stressed that people will only begin to return to their homes once they feel safe to do so.

"There has been some improvement in the situation, but it is not yet over" he said. "People want to be certain that the threat no longer exists. Children as young as six or seven are walking for two hours every evening just to be able to sleep at night free from the threat of abduction. What the LRA has done to this country is so deeply wicked; there must be a regional effort to solve the problem."

The International Development Secretary today discussed the way forward with President Museveni in Kampala.

"We agreed that there must be regional cooperation to tackle the threat of the LRA, which would be helped by the appointment of a special UN envoy for the region", Benn said before he left Uganda. "In the meantime the people still in camps in the North will continue to need our support. The new external linkJoint Monitoring Committee, launched last week and drawing together local and national government, the UN, other donors and civil society, will play a vital role in enabling us all to work together to provide this".

In his discussion with the President, Mr Benn welcomed the President’s assurances that due process will be followed in the High Court trial of Kizza Besigye. He also welcomed the President’s manifesto commitment to tackle corruption.
 

Back to topBack to top

Notes to Editors

1. Hilary Benn last visited Uganda in 2004.

2. For further information on Benn’s visit to Uganda, contact Trish O’Donnell, on +44 7748 182231.
 

Back to topBack to top

Related Links