Dr Olara-Otunnu, a former United Nations Under-Secretary General and Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict has called for a deeper reflection from people in Northern Uganda in order to address the challenges affecting the region.
Otunnu who was speaking on Tuesday as Guest of Honor, during the launch of a book “Nest of Poverty” by Onencan Richard Apil notes that many people in Acholi sub-region become rather defensive instead of confronting issues like laziness, drunkenness among others.
He adds that parenting largely broke down in Acholi during the years of conflict during which many of today’s parents were never properly parented themselves.
Otunnu says in the camps, parents stood in the same food aid lines as their children, struggling together for survival and that the structures, values, and support systems that once guided family life were destroyed.
He calls for investment in public education and schools such that vulnerable children can receive quality education.
David Obol Otori, the Gulu University Secretary who also attended the book launch from Elephante Commons applauds the author for writing the book adding that there is need to document and write more stories and books in order to inspire the next generation.
Onencan, the author says his book looked at the cause of poverty in Acholi sub-region right from colonial, post-colonial, the LRA war, the IDP camp periods and how it affected the people of Acholi. He hopes that the book will inspire more people to write.
By Patrick Uma
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