§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they would assist the Ugandan Government to enter a more regular dialogue with Acholi community leaders and the Lord's Resistance Army if such dialogue were facilitated by an international group of eminent persons trained in conflict resolution. [HL1822]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe UK is actively encouraging the Ugandan Government to look beyond a purely military solution to the conflict. We are helping the Acholi community leaders' attempts to establish dialogue with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Since 2001 we have spent nearly £1 million on conflict reduction and peace initiatives in Uganda. A further £1.6 million will be provided over the next 12 months.
The LRA is distrustful of outside intervention. While a role for third parties is not ruled out, we believe initiatives by local leaders are more likely to achieve sustainable peace.