By Emmanuel Omona PaOkech

A section of residents in Gulu have town have expressed mixed reactions to US President Barrack Obama’s pronouncement of a cash reward for whoever arrests Joseph Kony, the LRA leader and his top commanders.

The United State of America Rewards Program was introduced in 1984 to offer rewards for information related to terrorists, narcotics traffickers and specific international war criminals  and was recently amended.

Stella Ayaa, a vegetable seller in Kaunda Grounds main market is happy with Obama’s initiatives.

Ayaa thinks that the initiative will soon end the over 20 years of LRA War which has lasted for over 25 years now.

Alfred Oluba, the Chairman LC III for Layibi Division in Gulu Municipality also appreciates Obama for the pronouncement for the cash rewards.

Oluba explains that for many years since the war begun, other African countries have not dared to give a helping hand to Uganda.
Kenneth Nyeko, the councilor 5 for Ongako Sub County does not agree with the move and argues that peace talks are the only solution to the LRA conflict.

“… Uganda has tried for many times to have peace talks with the rebels, I believe peace talk is the only solution to the LRA Insurgency which has migrated into other African Countries”, Nyeko explained.

Joseph Okello a boda-boda rider at Gulu town who was once abducted by the LRA rebel and returned after 3 years thinks that Kony should be brought to book when captured.

US President Barack Obama also said that the law will allow the use of the Rewards Program to target those indicted by international, hybrid or mixed tribunals for genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity like Joseph Kony.