War is Not What Acoli Needs Now

Mao had left his flash disk on an hotel computer. The disk finally found its way to the security authorities. Soon a bunch of local guys were nabbed one by one for being part of a nascent rebel group orchestrated by those in the so-called Diaspora. In the reasoning of the government such an activity could not go on without the tacit knowledge and approval of the area opposition MPs.

First, the premise that the area opposition MPs would be in cahoots with those in the Diaspora is false. I cannot see how the MPs could risk their political lives by joining some hairy, delusional scheme for war.

That such a file could find its way into the hands of Mao speaks volume about the quality of this Diaspora rebel group. I bet it will not be able to provide legal support for those already in jail, let alone bail them out.

War is costly in terms of money, organization and human lives. Where the Diaspora can find the money to wage a protracted war beats my imagination. Most out there are saddled with mortgages, schools fees back home and other basic necessities to have spare coins. If a document can so easily find its way into the hands of Uganda security operatives, what kind of organization does this rebel group have? Nothing substantial has ever come out of any Diaspora grouping. What prompts the characters behind this rebel outfit that it will fare any different this time around?

Acoli has lost so many lives. It is time to let us replenish in peace what has been lost. However flawed, there are options available at the ballot box. We must have the courage to resist anger and re-channel it into voting power. It is a longer avenue but, if we are true to bringing good, we should not fall prey to the nature of the “enemy.” Violence never got anything good. Let us not be fooled by his apparent success at using violence to get to where he is. In the final analysis he will pay for the ocean of blood he helped spill. If your intentions are noble, help those who are at the forefront win elections against the gangster ogre. Or go there yourself—stand for positions or help with organizing. Otherwise, stop confusing people with your weaknesses that passes for being warriors.