INSURGENCY IN THE NORTHERN UGANDA AND VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: A CHALLENGE TO MISSION ACTIVITIES. A CASE STUDY OTUKE CAMP.
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Date
2005
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The insurgency in northern Uganda is not exactly what is presented by the
media. One has to see what it is on the ground. From what one hears from the media
one is made to think that this senseless war is affecting only the Acholi ethnic group.
No, it is a problem which has affected many tribes neighbouring the Acholi people,
especially the Langi. This paper is intended to bring this fact to the attention of the
whole nation of Uganda and the rest of the world. This war has also affected tribes like
the Teso, Alur, Lugbara, Madi etc. When they hear about northern Uganda most people
think of Gulu (Acholi), but the area comprises Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Lira, Apach, Ara,
Nebi and Adjumani, all of whom this war has affected in one way or the other.
During my theological studies in Kenya I used to hear a lot about this
insurgency and when I could go home I lived in Jinja and did not have much knowledge
of what was really happening in northern Uganda. But last year I heard that 250
innocent people were massacred in the Tarlonyo' protected camp in Lira diocese,
northern Uganda and I had a chance to see the bodies of the victims. I was struck
beyond words; I was stunned by the kind of life in the camp where I went to visit the
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Small Christian Community which was created in frute camp in Lira. I was horrified
with the terrible poverty, diseases and hunger that people were undergoing. Then I
thought it was worthwhile writing a short paper on the violation of human rights caused
by the LRA war in northern Uganda. I felt that the government of Uganda could do
better than it had already done. In the camps the questions were raised: why all this
persecution inflicted on the innocent people; when shall they be free from it? However,
the Church in northern Uganda remains a Church of consolation and hope to its people.
The Christians in Lira Diocese live a life of sharing and joy in their situation of
suffering. And it is their hope that one day they will be free from these persecutions
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INSURGENCY IN THE NORTHERN UGANDA AND VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: A CHALLENGE TO MISSION ACTIVITIES. A CASE STUDY OTUKE CAMP.