Gulu, Uganda: Former abductees and survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda have appealed to the government to provide land and free education for children born in captivity, citing continued suffering and neglect two decades after returning home.
Speaking to DailyExpress in an exclusive interview, Ms Stella Lanam Angel, Director of War Victims and Children Networking, issued a desperate plea to the Ugandan government, imploring them to hear the anguished cries of victims and provide their children with a lifeline – free education.
“Settle their children in school,” Stella urged, her voice heavy with emotion. “Give them access to quality education, provide them with the support they need to thrive. Give them a chance to break the cycle of suffering and build a future free from the shadows of war, where they can grow, learn, and flourish without the weight of their past defining them.”
Stella further lamented that women, men, and their children born in captivity are struggling to survive, often going to bed with empty stomachs. She emphasized that the government’s promise of support upon their return home remains unfulfilled. Stella urged the government to work closely with the victims to address their pressing issues, providing them with meaningful assistance to rebuild their lives.
Sheikh Musa Khali, a respected religious leader in Gulu City, made an emotional appeal to the government, pleading with them to prioritize the welfare of former captives. “Consider the unimaginable hardships they’ve endured in the bush.
“Their experiences have left deep wounds that still linger. If we don’t provide them with the support they need, the pain of their past will continue to haunt them, making it impossible for them to move forward. We beg of you, government, to intervene and offer them a lifeline, so they can begin to heal and rebuild their lives with dignity.”
Musa further called upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and well-wishers, to join forces and rally behind the victims. “Let us drum up support for these survivors and their children.
By working together, we can provide them with the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives. When their children are supported and thriving, their parents will finally experience a sense of peace they’ve long been denied. For once in their lives, they deserve to feel the warmth of stability, security, and hope for a brighter future.”
Alima Joyce, Speaker of Gulu City Council, delivered a passionate plea during her speech, calling upon the prominent Acholi leaders to put aside their differences and unite. “Your indifference is having a devastating impact on our community.
“The divisions among our leaders are causing unnecessary conflicts and mistrust among the Acholi people, which in turn makes it even more challenging for the victims to receive the support they so desperately need. I urge you, our great leaders, to set aside your personal interests and work together towards a common goal – the welfare and healing of our people. Unity is key to unlocking the resources and support these victims require to rebuild their lives.”
Alima further emphasized that the children and parents born in captivity deserve tangible support to rebuild their lives. “Specifically, our women, who have shown resilience and determination by starting small businesses, need financial backing to grow and sustain their ventures
“If the government can provide them with seed capital, they’ll be empowered to achieve financial stability, support their families, and secure a brighter future for their children. This empowerment will have a ripple effect, strengthening family units and breaking the cycle of poverty. Let’s give them the financial boost they need to thrive.”
William Penytho, Program Manager of War Victims and Children Networking, made an emotional appeal to the government to allocate funds to assist war victims struggling with long-term injuries, particularly those with bullets still lodged in their bodies.
He added that those victims endure chronic pain while also grappling with the challenge of providing for their children. Penytho urged the government to prioritize their needs, emphasizing that support for their medical treatment would not only alleviate their physical suffering but also enable them to care for their families more effectively
William’s voice trembled with emotion as he spoke, “It’s disheartening to see the government seemingly indifferent to our plight, despite being the ones who encouraged them to lay down their arms and return home. They’ve endured unimaginable suffering, and yet, their cries for help seem to fall on deaf ears.
Innocent Origa, one of the victims, pleadingly says, ‘If the government doesn’t want to support us, they should be honest with us. We’re suffering and dying, and we desperately need their help. We returned home only to find that our land had been taken away from us.
“If helping us isn’t in their plan, then at least tell us we’re not in their plans. We’re already suffering, but the uncertainty is killing us. We need the truth, no matter how harsh, rather than false promises that leave us hanging.”
He expressed frustration that victims only hear about the funds being allocated, but the tangible impact remains unseen. He urged the government to channel support through the appropriate office, which can effectively communicate their stories and provide meaningful assistance.
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda, historically confined to the Acholi region, resulted in an estimated 12,000 deaths, with many more dying from disease and malnutrition. The LRA’s violence, including abductions, caused significant displacement, with nearly 95% of the Acholi population in three districts living in IDP camps by 2006.
In 2000, the Ugandan government enacted the Amnesty Act. This act offered amnesty to all armed fighters, including members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and allowed them to return to their communities without fear of prosecution. The act aimed to encourage LRA members to lay down their arms and facilitate their reintegration into society.
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