Uganda Government Seeks Peaceful Solution To Oil Region Strife
Government
KAMPALA, Uganda -(Dow Jones)- The Ugandan government is working out ways to
negotiate a peaceful co-existence of indigenous tribes and incomers in the oil-
rich Bunyoro region, Uganda's information minister told reporters Thursday.
Kabakumba Matisko, who is also the government's chief spokeswoman, said a
cabinet sub-committee is "working around the clock" to correct past historical
injustices which were committed against the indigenous Banyoro peoples.
"The key issues that have to be addressed and harmonized are land ownership,
economic empowerment and self governance," she said.
Matsiko said although the government has long been trying to sort out problems
in the region, the influx of incomers is posing a new challenge. Analysts say
the influx was triggered by the discovery of commercial oil reserves in 2006.
Police deployed heavily in the region Wednesday to quell ethnic clashes, and
people close to the situation say tensions continue to mount, with the
indigenous Banyoro accusing incomers of land grabbing.
Uganda's President Museveni said in a letter published last week the
government was considering a range of actions to protect the indigenous from the
incomers, drawing criticisms from politicians and activists who say the letter
has heightened tensions.
However, Matsiko said the president's letter was a mere suggestion, "
misreported in the press and presented as if it was a final decision."
Activists have warned ethnic violence could pose a danger to the impending oil
production in the region.
-By Nicholas Bariyo, contributing to Dow Jones Newswires; +256 75 262 4615;
bariyonic@yahoo.co.uk
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-13-091014ET
Copyright (c) 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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