Doubled standardness: A very ugly game!

I must start by saying that i am not a fan of M7 but i applause Uganda for standing up to defend itself against defamation by the so called "mighty powers" who for years supported Museveni ignoring the corruption, human rights abuses and the pain of Ugandans, just because they wanted to use Museveni to accomplish their listed interest. Danmark, Britain, and Ireland suddenly also woke up and has frozen aid to Uganda until the fund channeled through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is accounted for. My questions are, where were they to carry these measures in the last 27 years when the people of Northern Uganda were used as bait for aid by the government, the aid that never reached them? Where were they to hold government accountable for the daily reported high level of corruption, human rights abuses within Uganda? They chose to pay a deaf ear to the ordinary people, a deaf ear to the suffering of the ordinary innocent Ugandans that disappeared, and those killed for trying to stand out for their rights? Instead they continuously funded the government which money went to enrich the few within government.

Emath Majestica Apio, the widow of the World War one Veteran, Mzee Alat Amulam struggling to live under very difficult situation with no help from the government. She survive the war in Northern Uganda but who knows how long she will live under extreme poverty.

Tribute to my Dear Father; John Peter Odunge

What other worst event can cross your path than watch both your parents snatched away by death. 18 days ago (25th/03/2012), death robbed me, my family, friends and relatives of a true hero, the most beautiful and most important person to us; my father. This visit is exactly 11 years after my mother passed on, a reality I still find it hard to come to terms with.

I remember Thursday; the 15th/03/2012, as I walk around Newtown and Dad called; it was 12 noon (Sydney Time) and 4am (Uganda Time). The first thing I said when I answered the phone was; Dad, what time is it? My Dad answered; “It is around 4am, I thought of you and waited to call at this time so I don’t wake you up from your sleep. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and very proud of you for completing your studies”. My father who could not travel to Sydney to attend my graduation for reasons beyond control was praying and thinking of me instead of sleeping. He knew I was graduating soon but I forgot to mention the exact date to him which was 20th March 2012. I remembered two days before my graduation that I have to call Dad and let him know my graduation was on Tuesday, but his calls could not go through. I tried the next day and still no success. I tried on the day of my graduation again and again but nothing, I just needed that one last shower of love and those great words of a proud Dad before I can walk up that stage to receive my Masters degree but Dad was not reachable. Two days after my graduation, I called Dad again and my brother picked up my Dad’s phone and said, “Mercy, we have been trying to call you, Dad is rushed to the hospital and his condition is critical” I spoke to Dad 20 minutes later at the hospital and his first words were; “Hey mummy (he referred to me as mummy because I am named after his mother), how are you? When is your graduation? I told him it was two days ago, and he was like, “that is great my baby, I am so proud of you. I am praying for you to excel and get a job of your dream; for I know you will make a great difference in the world” Here is my father on the hospital bed, thinking and praying for my future instead of thinking of his own health. Dad’s nature never changed to his last breathe, he always put others first. I remember as a kid and my father was blessed with wealth. I can recall our home was always filled with people of all background, and levels with different needs. My father had the heart for the people, he served others, fed those who were hungry, paid orphans in school, looked after the widows, and defended those who were weak. As a child I witnessed my father defend himself against over 100 military army (UPDF) who rounded our home to arrest him for being a strong supporter of the previous government (Milton Obote`s government). As a little kid, I witnessed my father stabbed at our home by the army for resisting arrest in 1986; my Dad was a brave man and was not ready to give up.

My Dad, who was given a final farewell, last Thursday (05/04/2012) in a ceremony in my hometown; has left a large hole which nothing will ever fill. I have never been afraid in life knowing my Dad was there as my motivator, defender, a mentor and as a sweet loving father who continuously was available to empower me. Right now I feel so afraid of the future, the future alone without my father’s guidance, counsel, love and support. My Dad, a man who sacrificed so much for his community and country is a man who I grew up watching closely, a man who inspired me in every way; creating who I am today. His love for the ordinary people, the friendship and constant thirst for justice is a beauty that I keenly watched and imitated as a child, who happened to be so close to her father and saw him as a mighty hero. His dedication to his country through his political party; The Uganda Peoples` Congress (UPC) was admirable and steady. Dad fought a good fight and served his Country to his last breath under UPC, a party so closed to his heart as the party Representative in the Karamoja region.

To the people who prayed while Dad was fighting for his life in the hospital, thank you so much for your prayers, it was comforting to him and to us knowing that you were praying. To those that continued to pray and supported us even after Dad passed on, knowing you were walking with us in a way comforted us, may you be blessed. And to the Almighty God, I thank Him for giving us such a father who meant a world not just to us as a family but to all whose lives he touched. It is comforting to know that death has lost its victory in Christ who took it at the cross and overcame it through the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 reads; “42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength”.

Words to my Dad: Dad, I am sorry that I was far away to look after you while you were on that hospital bed. I am sorry for not being here today to witness you being laid to rest. I want you to know that, you taught me to love and I love you very much. I have learnt many things from you and I have been a very proud daughter knowing you were my father, I am very proud of you despite how they wretched you to your grave; God is just and will surely pay at the right time. I am going to miss your counsel, love, friendship, joy, strength and courage. There is one thing I want you to know; that you may be gone but you will never die because I will make sure you live on through me, you know why? Because I am still your very own daughter and will always be your daughter. I will carry your legend of dedication to love, a heart of forgiveness, service to others, unity, and friendship. You are my father, my friend, my hero and who you are will always be my guiding light. You have left a big hole which will never be filled until we meet again; and I am looking forward to a day when I will see you again in glory.

 

Grieving daughter

Mercy Akongo

WATOTO`s Statement on Kony2012 Campaign

WATOTO’S STATEMENT ON KONY2012 CAMPAIGN


Kampala, Uganda, 12th March 2012 – On Monday 5th March 2012, a documentary

highlighting the atrocities committed at the hand of rebel leader Joseph Kony and his

Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) was released. The conflict highlighted in this documentary has devastated northern Uganda for decades.

In the past six years, the situation has changed. Children are no longer being

abducted in Uganda. Peace and stability has returned, and Gulu is now the second

fastest growing community in Uganda. The community is generally focused on

restoration and transformation for a better nation.

Kony continues to operate in the Congo and Central African Republic.

At Watoto, we believe that the church is the only real solution to true individual and

community transformation.

Watoto is dedicated to the plight of the former child soldier and the war-torn

community of northern Ugandan every day. Watoto is actively involved in bringing

healing and life to all those affected by this senseless civil war.

About Watoto’s Project Gulu

Watoto provides trauma rehabilitation to former child soldiers and the war-effected

community of northern Uganda at large. Medical intervention is given including

access to HIV medication and treatment.

Watoto has also built a children’s village so that orphaned and vulnerable children

can grow up in a loving, family environment. Baby Watoto Gulu was established to

care for orphaned and vulnerable infants.

Watoto also provides education, specifically vocational and technical, for the many

young adults who have missed the opportunity of receiving an education.

Through Watoto’s Living Hope initiative, vulnerable women, most of whom are HIV+

and returnees from abduction by the rebel army, are empowered and restored to a

place where they have dignity, value and worth. Under Living Hope, Watoto also

provides opportunities for reconstructive surgery to mutilated women.

In addition, Watoto is committed to working alongside the local government to make

northern Uganda livable again. Architectural plans have been developed to transform

the cityscape in the hopes that change in community will be sustainable.

More detailed information about Watoto and Project Gulu is available at

www.watoto.com/projectgulu.

- ends –

The KONY 2012 Video Campaign: Inappropriate and Misleading!

People have asked what my opinion is regarding KONY2012 Campaign and here is my opinion and stand: For the last two decades, Kony with the help of other perpetrators caused so much suffering to the people of Northern Uganda. Together they stole a whole generation, distabilized and destroyed the Acholi social morals and way of life. The situation caused by Kony needed to be exposed and responded to over six (6) years ago at the time when this war was on and the people cried day and night for help. The KONY2012 Video protrays the circumstance as current which is totally misleading and inappropriate. The Kony War in Northern Uganda stopped six (6) years ago and what the KONY 2012 Campaign should be preaching in regards to Northern Uganda right now is who Kony is, the level of damages he caused over (6) years ago, and what people need right now especially to rebuild themselves. The message should have looked into the rehabilitation of Northern Uganda (Schools, Health services, psycho-social support and other sustainable community managed projects). Kony left Uganda six years ago and is in Central Africa and the video should have focussed more on Central Africa, damages caused there, the need for Kony to be stopped and brought to Justice. And if the Invisible Children really wants to see a better future for the children of northern Uganda, then their Campaign should call for the rehabilitation of social services. I am interested in knowing what Mr. Norbert Mao think about his video taken in an interview over Six (6) years ago which has been used in the KONY2012 Video. I have supported Invisible Children before and can still support them but only if their work is based on facts, timely and for the good of those affected, otherwise, i am disappointed right now with the KONY 2012. I have seen first-hand the suffering of the people of Northern Uganda while working with the victims of the war and for anyone to use their circumstances to their advantage is so low, that sounds a bit strong (Yes, i know) but it is because i have a right to be right now; as a person who has witnessed what the situation was, what the reality still is and what people really need.

Mercy Akongo (2008):With Orphans of war in Oyam District, Northern Uganda.

 The people of Northern Uganda needs help to start and stand life again and anyone wishing them well should advocate for this. Invisible Children, the children of Northern Uganda needs education, health services, a home to live, food and clean water; please advocate for this because it is the most important ones right now. Thank you.