UGANDA: ‘Promote dialogue among peoples of different religions and culture to curb terrorism,’ – Uganda’s Head of Counter Intelligence says
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| Detective Kantono makes a presentation to the UEC employees |
Detective
Senior Superintendent of Police in Uganda, Lydia Kantono, also the HEAD CT-
Intel, has called on all the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) employees to use
their positions to promote dialogue among peoples of different religions and
culture to prevent radicalization and violent extremism.
Senior Superintendent of Police in Uganda, Lydia Kantono, also the HEAD CT-
Intel, has called on all the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) employees to use
their positions to promote dialogue among peoples of different religions and
culture to prevent radicalization and violent extremism.
Speaking as
a lead facilitator at a workshop on terrorism and security held on July 27 at
the UEC premises, Kantono highlighted the vital importance of dialogue with
religious institutions in understanding, preventing and resolving violent
extremism.
a lead facilitator at a workshop on terrorism and security held on July 27 at
the UEC premises, Kantono highlighted the vital importance of dialogue with
religious institutions in understanding, preventing and resolving violent
extremism.
“Terrorist
carry out terror attacks on innocent civilians regardless of their political,
social, religious or tribal affiliations,” she said adding. “They (terrorist)
execute their cowardly and heinous acts through a number of forms and limited
to the following: bombings, assassinations, kidnapping, hostage taking, armed
attacks, maiming, arson poisoning and cyber terrorism.”
carry out terror attacks on innocent civilians regardless of their political,
social, religious or tribal affiliations,” she said adding. “They (terrorist)
execute their cowardly and heinous acts through a number of forms and limited
to the following: bombings, assassinations, kidnapping, hostage taking, armed
attacks, maiming, arson poisoning and cyber terrorism.”
The one-day
event, which was organized by the UEC Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism
Department, was held under the theme, ‘Globalization, religio-cultural pluralism
and the threat of Global Terrorism: Inter-religious dialogue as an Approach to
sustainable Peace.’
event, which was organized by the UEC Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism
Department, was held under the theme, ‘Globalization, religio-cultural pluralism
and the threat of Global Terrorism: Inter-religious dialogue as an Approach to
sustainable Peace.’
Rev. Fr
Vincent Karatunga, the Executive Secretary of the UEC Inter-religious Dialogue
and Ecumenism Department, said that the purpose of the workshop was to induct
the UEC staff on the threat and dangers posed by global terrorism and
illustrate to them how religion has been hijacked and abused to promote hatred
as well as division.
Vincent Karatunga, the Executive Secretary of the UEC Inter-religious Dialogue
and Ecumenism Department, said that the purpose of the workshop was to induct
the UEC staff on the threat and dangers posed by global terrorism and
illustrate to them how religion has been hijacked and abused to promote hatred
as well as division.
“While
carrying out their ministry, the UEC staff should use the opportunity to
promote dialogue among peoples of different religions and culture while at the
same time, sensitize communities of the impending danger of global
terrorism. Religion shapes the
consciences of people and therefore, it should be used to promote peace, love
and respect between and among peoples,” Fr. Vincent stated.
carrying out their ministry, the UEC staff should use the opportunity to
promote dialogue among peoples of different religions and culture while at the
same time, sensitize communities of the impending danger of global
terrorism. Religion shapes the
consciences of people and therefore, it should be used to promote peace, love
and respect between and among peoples,” Fr. Vincent stated.
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| UEC employees listen attentively to detective Kantono |
Speaking at
the concluding session of the event which focused on the current threats and
challenges posed by the terrorists Kantono said, “Since 2010, there has been a
58% increase in the number of jihadist groups. The fighters have also doubled
and there is a tripling of attacks by Al – Qaeda and its affiliates world over
notably ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Shabaab and many others. In the long run, Al Qaeda
might assert more control on their off springs, demand more obedience and call
upon their resources to assist in global operations.”
She also
emphasized the importance of a coordinated, international use of dialogue as a
strategy for peace building.
emphasized the importance of a coordinated, international use of dialogue as a
strategy for peace building.
As a process
of the on-going formation and community sensitization, the department will go
on organizing similar workshops.
of the on-going formation and community sensitization, the department will go
on organizing similar workshops.
By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media
Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
