Lukodi Massacre survivors appeal for vocational training to tackle unemployment, poverty

Gulu, Uganda: Survivors of the 2004 Lukodi Massacre have renewed calls for the government to introduce vocational training programs to combat rising unemployment and economic despair among affected communities in northern Uganda.

Speaking during memorial prayers held on May 19 at the Lukodi massacre site in Gulu District, Stella Lanam Angle, a survivor and director of War Victims and Children Networking, appealed for skills-based interventions such as tailoring, carpentry, salooning, and hairdressing to help survivors rebuild their lives.

“Most of our wounds are still painfully fresh. Many of us witnessed the brutal killing of our parents. We need counseling, yes, but we also need jobs. We are suffering in silence, struggling to meet even the basic needs,” Lanam said.

On May 19, 2004, Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) descended on Lukodi village and slaughtered over 60 civilians, in one of the most horrific chapters of the insurgency that ravaged northern Uganda for two decades. Survivors continue to grapple with deep trauma, loss of livelihoods, and marginalization.

Lanam noted that more than 10,000 victims have since returned home but lack economic empowerment, urging the government to enroll them in the Parish Development Model (PDM) and prioritize their rehabilitation through structured support.

Call for Unity and Leadership Accountability

William Penytho, the Program Manager of War Victims and Children Networking, criticized the fractured relationship between Acholi leaders and the victims, accusing the former of abandoning their constituents.

“The victims have lost trust in local leadership. Many leaders are only seen when it’s time for personal gain. We need unity and genuine representation for these people,” he said.

He called on the Acholi community to put aside internal divisions and rally behind survivors who endured unimaginable suffering in captivity.

Lalobo Wilfred, chairperson of the Lukodi Massacre Victims, challenged fellow survivors to organize into a formal group to unlock access to government funding and streamline their advocacy efforts.

“Unity is our strength, organization is our voice, and collective action is our path to healing and rebuilding,” he said, adding, “Despite government promises, many of us sleep hungry. We have the strength, but we lack opportunities.”

Wilfred also urged government agencies and stakeholders to consider transforming Lukodi into a center for economic activity by setting up development hubs that create employment and support survivors’ reintegration into society.

Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, Deputy Commander of the UPDF Fourth Division, reassured the survivors that the military stands ready to support peaceful and lawful solutions. “Peace is our priority, and violence is never the answer. We urge you to work with the security agencies and report those who misappropriated your funds,” he said.

Kayanja emphasized that proper intelligence and cooperation will lead to investigations and the possible recovery of stolen support intended for survivors.

Leaders Demand Vocational Centers

David Ocire, the LC1 Chairperson of Lukodi, proposed the establishment of a government-funded vocational training center in the area to equip survivors with income-generating skills. “This will not only tackle poverty among the victims but also reduce criminal elements in the community. Many survivors still live in extreme financial instability,” Ocire said.

While acknowledging the role of various NGOs in providing trauma support, Ocire stressed that financial empowerment remains the key to helping victims overcome dependency and reclaim dignity.

Between 1987 and 2006, over 20,000 Ugandan children were abducted by the LRA. More than 1.9 million people were displaced across northern Uganda, with tens of thousands killed or permanently scarred. The Lukodi massacre remains a grim reminder of the conflict’s human cost, and survivors say their pain will only subside if the government backs its promises with action.