President Yoweri Museveni has lauded the people of Lira District for working hard and developing their area after the devastation and disruption by the Kony War.
Museveni’s remarks were part of his message during the 18th Barlonyo Massacre Memorial Service held at Barlonyo memorial site in Agweng Sub County, Erute South, Lira District.
In his message delivered by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, president Museveni thanked individuals and organizations who worked to restore peace and tranquility in the area. He urged residents to utilize the peaceful time to work hard and embark on development.
The memorial is held annualy to remember over 300 innocent people who were brutaly murdered on 21st February 2004, by Lord Resistance Army (LRA) Rebels led by Joseph Kony. The war which lasted more than 17 years devastated most parts of northern Uganda until the insurgents were defeated in 2003.
Museveni urged leaders at all levels to support the implimentation of Parish Development Model -a new intervention by government to accelerate wealth and job creation as well as improving service delivery at parish level. He committed that government will continue to work for maintenance of peace in the whole of Uganda, and also put in place the infrastructure in place as well as facilitating the country’s development.
President Museveni supported the people who were affected by the Barlonyo Massacre with 30 million shillings and a brand new motorcycle for the area Local Council chairperson.
Area leaders led by the Erute South MP Akello Christine requested government to gazzete Barlonyo as a tourist site and develop it to the level of Namugongo Matyrs shrine in Wakiso District.