By KT Reporter
The government has been urged to officially gazette September 20 every year to commemorate the deaths of more than 32 people killed by Karamojong warriors in Katakwi District. Survivors of the attacks in Apeuru-Aodot, Ngariam, Palam, and Okore have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to declare the date a public holiday in honor of those massacred during raids in 2000 and 2003.
It is claimed that on September 20, 2003, about 300 Karamojong warriors encircled the Aperu-Aodot refugee camp—now part of Ngariam, Palam, and Okore—and killed more than 21 people. Another 17 had been murdered earlier in Ngariam, with victims buried in various cemeteries across Ngariam and Okore, while several others were left injured and crippled.
William Opoo, a survivor from Otome village in Palam Parish, who fought as an LDU before being paralyzed by gunshots, asked the government to support widows, widowers, and orphans with permanent housing and scholarships.
Ignatius Apuda Loyola, former executive director of the URAFIK Foundation—an organization that worked on reconciliation between the Teso and Karamoja communities—called for a day of remembrance to promote peace and healing.
Christine Adeke, Vice Chairperson of Okore Sub-County, stressed the importance of government recognition. She urged that September 20 be gazetted for annual prayers, with state support for organizing memorial masses and renovating cemeteries.
Katakwi Deputy RDC Vincent Savior Okwi and Stephen Ilemukorit Okure said the government has fulfilled its promise by establishing the Technical Memorial School to provide skills and education in memory of those killed. They added that survivors of the 2003 attack also deserve recognition.
Kotido RDC Charles Ichogor, formerly LC1 chairperson of Pakwi village, argued that memorializing victims would follow examples from Lango and Acholi, where monuments have been erected for Lord’s Resistance Army victims. He said such memorials not only honor the dead but also attract tourism and funds to support survivors.
The commemoration was marked with a prayer service led by Rev. John Okalany, parish priest of Acanga under the Soroti Anglican Diocese. He urged Christians to forgive the Karamojong warriors, citing Ephesians 4:32, which calls on believers to forgive one another as Christ forgave them.
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