In
the bid to address the historical challenge of limited participation in
decision making processes and representation in leadership positions (which is
believed to be propelling discrimination against the batwa), AICM in the
quarter ending December organized sub county level dialogue meetings with the
local leaders to discuss this challenge and also devise strategies for
addressing it. The meetings held in Ikumba and Bufundi sub-counties
pointed out high Batwa
inferiority complex as a hiccup to their participation in community leadership.
In order to have the Batwa articulate their Human rights issues and get more
involved in the fight against discrimination, the local leaders
present suggested that more opportunities
to improve representation and participation of Batwa at different community
levels of governance be explored. They cited election/appointment of the batwa
in leadership positions as one sure way of ensuring increased representation
and participation of the batwa in governance processes.
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| Ikumba S/C Chief committing himself at the meeting |
Several leaders in attendance committed to
include the batwa on the relevant committees at the sub counties and within the
community; for example Ikumba Sub County Chief and Ihunga
Church of Uganda Parish Priest Rev. John Karinyangye pledged to appoint Batwa
representatives on the sub-county land committee, Forest Protection Committees
and Church Warden positions respectively, while the Head
teachers of Ryamihanda and Kiriba Primary schools Mr. Kyarisiima Fabisi and Mr.
Ekyorisima Eudita committed to encourage and groom more Batwa pupils to take up
responsibility in the respective schools.
In fulfilment of the
commitments made, some batwa were elected/ appointed to fill various available
positions; for example, Sabiti Wilber, Jeriminah Halerimana Pusi, Apollo
Kachurwa and Ruzabarande Matekye were selected for training as VHTs, Habyarimana
Elias was also appointed as a church warden while Kimpaye Keren was appointed
as a mutwa representative on the Murubindi Local Council committee.Similary,
Mr. Ngabirano Amulet was also selected to be a community crime preventer, while
Kebirungi Sarah a pupil of Kariba Primary School was supported for elections as
a head prefect of the school.
AICM
believes that with more batwa in leadership, less batwa marginalization and
discrimination will be witnessed because they will be in position to articulate
their concerns better and also demand for equity, equality and justice in society
