Democratic Party (DP) boss Norbert Mao has on behalf of Acholi leaders written a letter to the Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura notifying him of a planned rally for this coming Sunday at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu town.
In the letter dated June 14, Mao said the rally will be ‘‘a nonpartisan gathering of people in and around Gulu to take a clear stand for truth, justice and peace.’’
The letter did not explain what was meant by ‘‘truth, justice and peace.’’ But it is expected the leaders will tackle the recent wave of insecurity in Gulu and the arrest of people reported to have links to alleged rebel groups.
Last month an unknown armed group attacked Opit army detach killing a soldier and looting eights guns. Then on Sunday this week, Gulu Central Police was attacked by a yet-to- be identified armed group.
The army and police said the attack on Gulu police was an attempt to arrest UPC officials Oola Dan Odiya who was being held at the facility. Oola Odiya was picked up at night on the streets of Gulu two weeks ago as he headed home.
Mao’s letter said the rally will, among others, be addressed by Aswa County MP Reagan Okumu, Minister and Lamwo MP Hillary Onek, Gulu Chairman, Gulu Chairman Ojara Martin Mapenduzi and Laroo Councilor Obol Simpleman.
Invited at the rally is the Gulu District Police Commander, Resident District Commissioner and the Commander of the 4th Division barracks.
‘‘We believe that the outcome of the meeting will be a sense of security and hope for a better future amidst the anxieties that confront a post war society,’’ Mao’s letter party reads.
In a phone interview with Acholi Times, the DP leader said Acholi people are worried about recent security happenings.
‘‘We want our people to become brave because they are living in fear that violence may break up again in their land.’’
The letter was copied to Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese John Baptist Odama, Ker Kwaro Acholi, Bishop of Anglican church Johnson Gakumba, Acholi Parliamentary group, Sheikh Musa Khelil, the Gulu Resident District Commissioner, Gulu District Police Commander, the 4th Division Commander, Gulu LC5 Chair, the