USING PERCEIVED THREAT AND PEACE CULTURE TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM IN UGANDA

Jacob Waiswa
Situation Health Analyst
Dishma-Inc.
P.O. Box 8885,
Kampala-Uganda
Tel. +256392614655/+256752542504
dishma.imhs@gmail.com
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com

On July 11, 2010, Uganda experienced terror attacks in the capital, Kampala –killing an estimated 76 people. It was not the first experience for the country; terrorism in Uganda was first experienced in 1998 and 1999 (Kampala) and 2001 (Jinja) killing 45 people –then.


While leading Christians through prayer Arch Bishop Paul Tshang In-Nam prayed that. 'The voice of the people is the voice of God. We pray that elections be free and peaceful.' The same need for peace counteracts the calls for war against attacks as that can interfere with the much-desired current peace.


The ‘now living’ means a lot to Ugandans as was showed by 48% of Ugandans that rejected open war against Al-Shabaab against 29% yes to it, and 23% due to other reasons. And, of course, with the arrest of the key suspects there is an element of public confidence and morale. Ugandans too come to the fore to demand that peace or do whatever is in their means to attain it.


Security agencies’ response to terror threat was high in the next two months, but soon subsided and security checks lessened until the festive season came close with so many deployments along major streets.


But minor ones did not have security personnel along them. Even some offices of government and non-government organizations gradually relaxed security checks as a measure against terrorism. Security checks occurred on social gatherings and ceremonies only.


Perceived terrorism threat was at yes (83%) against 1% (no) and 14% due to other factors. To the government of Uganda, the terror attack on Uganda directly meant retaliation and war. ‘By attacking Ugandan Somali reactionary groups had made their situation worse and Uganda will pursue them,’ said Museveni.


Ugandans, like any living organism love peace and will do anything to get it. In light of the July 11 terror attacks, the majority of the Ugandans rejected war against terror at 48% of Ugandans that rejected open war against Al-Shabaab against 29% yes to it, and 23% due to other reasons.


Inculcating peace culture and mentality is thus an excellent way to deal with threat of terrorism. Indeed, there will be a time when terror will cease, because it is unnatural to hate peace. There will always be innovative ways to reduce violence and their conditions such as aggressors resorting to mutual respect and diplomacy, to dialogue, and cooperation.


There is indeed a need to integrate citizens in decision making –pertaining to war on terrorism rather than leave them out –since they are most affected on the event of terror attacks. For they love peace and cherish it, and are willing to do anything positive to cause it rather than escalate it.