Bodies pressed together in the hot court room, as a crowd gathered to watch the trial of Thomas Kwoyelo. Kwoyelo is a former LRA commander, primarily active in the Amuru District. He has been charged with 93 counts of murder, rape, kidnap and torture. He is also the first LRA official to be tried in a domestic court.
The trial did not proceed as planned. It was set to start on Monday, September 24 at the High Court in Gulu, but lagged a day, beginning again on Tuesday. Following an impassioned argument from the defense, judges choose to adjourn the trial until November 5, claiming the accused had not received a proper translation of his indictment. This decision drew strong and mixed responses from the spectators. “We have wasted a week,” said Victim’s Council, Komaketch Kilima.
Thomas Kwoyelo Speaks to a prison guard during a recess in the trial. Photo credit Sophia Neiman.
The current delay is short, however, compared with the time Kwoyelo has spent awaiting trial. First captured in the Democratic Republic of the Congo nearly a decade ago, he has languished in Luzira Prison in Kampala since 2009. According to Defense Council, Charles Dalton Opwonya, the accused was mistreated there. “He has never been treated humanely at all. Not at all. Even though he has not been tortured as I see in the case of Bobi Wine, [there has been] very rude treatment,” he said.
Furthermore, the defense asserts that Kwoyelo should not be on trial at all, claiming that the man is a victim of the LRA’s abuses. Kwoyelo was captured as a young boy, and forced to become a soldier. “It will never be a fair trial, because the victim is the accused,” said Opwonya.
He has even gone as far as to paint Kwoyelo as a scape goat; and the trial a ploy for government influence. Opwonya said, “I think it is a political gimmick, one, to protect those who would go to The Hague, and two, to show the public that something is being done.”
The continued delays are immediately harmful to victims who have agreed to act as witnesses, and potentially to Kwoyelo himself. “I think it’s painful, because it has been a long time. As I have said in court, victims have suffered and waited a long time for this day. The accused person himself has waited for long,” said Kilama. He added that people are becoming frustrated and impatient, “Whether or not [Kwoyelo] is acquitted [victims] should be given the chance to tell their story, to present their case.” Kilama continued, “People get discouraged about these proceedings each time they have been adjourned.”
Kwoyelo watched the trial carefully and quietly, his eyes alert. He took time to consult with both his lawyer and his sister, but was otherwise silent. The court has ordered that he return to prison until the trial resumes in November.
The trial of former LRA Commander Dominic Ongwen resumed on Tuesday, September 18, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, with an opening statement from the defense. Miles and miles away, Ugandans gathered around televisions and hunched over radios, following each detail of the proceedings. Many attended screening events organized by the ICC itself. The court endeavored to make the trial accessible to those people whose lives were torn apart by conflict. The Justice and Reconciliation Project hosted one such screening in the organization offices at Koro-Pida.
Some one hundred participants arrived by bus from various locations. They crammed together on white, plastic chairs. Mothers brought small children, who sat in their laps or played on the floor. The screening was near silent. Attendees only spoke during the breaks, when they shared snacks and soda, or relaxed in a courtyard.
The ICC strove to create an open space, where the community could truly engage with the trial, however distant. Eric MP Odong, a field assistant, said, “We are here to execute the mandate of the registry of the court, and to serve the victim community.”
The screening at JRP was not the first of its kind nor was it the only event in the area. Another screening, this one at Gulu District Hall, was so packed that people spilled on to the ground outside. Engagement in the case is high. “We are responding to the interest and the demand of communities, who want to follow the trial,” said Jimmy Otim, another field assistant. In fact, the ICC has organized screening events since Ongwen’s trial began two years ago. Court representatives travel to areas with little electricity and bad roads in order to disseminate information.
Many of these locations were the sight of LRA attacks. Emotions run high and memories of war are fresh. “My better half of my life is the conflict,” said Otim. “That is why I studied conflict, to understand why people suffer.” His work is personal. Otim also vividly remembers trial screenings at which community members corroborated the information on screen, pointing to places where violence occurred. As a result, counselors and facilitators are always present.
Community members watch the Dominic Ongwen defnese at the JRP offices in Koro-Pida. Photo credit, Sophia Neiman.
Responses to these screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. According to Otim, “[The community] is happy that what happened to them is being heard in an independent court, they are happy that what happened to them is being recognized. They are happy that maybe, ultimately, they’ll get justice.”
Odong agrees. “I see justice being done,” he said. “The prosecution did its part and now it is the defense’s turn. I see justice by allowing different parties to express themselves.” Odong claims he will be satisfied regardless of the outcome. “The process of the trial will have cleansed the accused, even if he is set free,” he said.
The trial culminates a longer hunt for Ongwen and his fellow rebels. More than eleven years ago, the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest, along with warrants for Vincent Otti and enigmatic leader Joseph Kony. In 2014, Ongwen was captured along the border between South Sudan and the Central African Republic, and turned over to the court. His is a painful saga, and one that contains the complex history of the conflict itself.
Ongwen was abducted by the LRA when he was nine years old. He was walking to primary school near Gulu. Like many other young boys, he was forced to watch and later commit heinous acts, and was brutally inducted into the army. Unlike many, however, Ongwen ascended the ranks. He reached the LRA control alter and came to command the notorious Sinia Brigade. This wing of the LRA attacked internally displaced person’s camps, specifically Abok, Odek, Lukodi and Pajule. Ongwen himself is charged with 70 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including abducting children to use as soldiers and sex slaves.
Thus, Ongwen can be cast as both victim and perpetrator; a man whose life was altered by the conflict, and a man who altered the lives of others. He is also the first and lowest ranking member of the LRA to be tried internationally. Kony is still at large. Otti is presumed dead.
Seeing such a man stand trial can be divisive and upsetting. Some want him in jail, punished for years of havoc, while others believe he was boy brainwashed, and so deserves amnesty. Many community members are former abductees themselves, and do not understand why they have been forgiven and Ongwen has not.
Andrew Simbo has worked in transitional justice in both Uganda and Sierra Leone. He is currently the executive director of Uganda Women’s Action Program. The organization helps to bring more women and children to the ICC screenings. He claims that communities have now become fully reintegrated, “Those who actually carried out the atrocities are in the communities now. They have been given amnesty. They are the boda boda riders; some are musicians. They are there. They have been integrated into the community,” He added, passionately, “people have moved on.” While UWAP remains a neutral body, Simbo asserts it can be difficult to explain the mere fact of Ongwen’s charges to community members.
Justin Ocan, a community representative from Lukodi, believes that the screenings themselves will lead to a better future. “We tell these populations that this is also a learning environment, because we need to learn this time, so that you transfer the knowledge you gained from this screening to your children, so that in the future they don’t engage themselves in such kinds of practices,” he said.
Regardless of what the court decides, or even of divided opinions, one thing is certain. Sharing information, and making that information accessible, is crucial. It brings people together. It binds them in knowledge and informed conversation. It cements community. Justice itself is a long and twisting process, and its outcomes can never be universally satisfying. Yet, Ocan puts it beautifully, if simply: “Justice is a collective effort to attain a peaceful life.”
As the trial continues, people of many different opinions, can come together and watch it unfold.
The villages of Lapono sub-county are hidden among imposing rock formations, and fields of sunflowers and banana plants. In late afternoons, children bathe in the rivers along the red dirt roadside and cattle graze. This is now a peaceful place, but it was the site of a horrific 2002 massacre by the Lord’s Resistance Army. While the war is long over, the memory is fresh and abductees face daily stigma.
On Tuesday September 4, select residents of Lapono were trained in goat rearing. They will receive 38 goats in the coming month. This is part of a larger initiative by the Justice and Reconciliation Project (JRP) and the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN), reaching communities in five areas previously affected by conflict. The goal is to economically empower survivors of wartime sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), many of whom still lack crucial resources. JRP has created groups of survivors, all of whom also belong to WAN, and taught leadership and group dynamics, providing both communal and finical support.
District veterinarian Richard Otema met with Lapono group members and JRP representatives in the village center. After the group had prayed, he explained how to breed and care for goats, emphasizing the importance of keeping the animals clean and recognizing certain diseases.
Dr. Otema said it was his first time working with returnees and he found the experience enlightening. He is eager to continue supporting the community. “After giving the goats there should be regular check-ins and treatment,” he said. Furthermore, if the group proves successful Dr. Otema will work with the sub-county to provide more goats for cross-breeding.
Dr. Otema reminds participants of the importance of keeping goats clean and healthy.
Group members listened intently, taking notes and pausing only to share sweet tea and a simple lunch. Many wore shirts from JRP, bearing the slogan, “Speak up and Act, SGBV is Real.” Others brought children who wandered between the training classroom and the meadow outside.
Participants are eager to use the income generated from goat rearing to better their communities and lives. Plans include sending children to school, saving to buy a cow to plow fields and even romance. One member hopes to get married, once his goats have mated and multiplied.
Following the training, participants expressed gratitude for JRP. One man said, “I want to thank JRP for coming to support vulnerable women and children, because there was a massacre in Lapano and many people died.” He added that he hopes the project can be expanded. Another resident claimed that the training and group will help to combat other issues in the village, such as domestic violence. He said, “The training is proof that there is reconciliation in the community.”
The group ended their meeting just as it had begun: joined in prayer. They returned the next day for additional lessons in financial planning, provided by members of the JRP staff. These trainings will enable both the group and individuals to save money with purpose, and continue to work towards a bright future. Members remained engaged and eager to learn throughout the training; a clear sign of progress and hope in the Lapono.
Members of Women’s Advocacy Network and South Sudanese during an exchange at Justice and Reconciliation Project office- Photo by David Jame
Why South Sudanese counterparts are hopeful they will not go back the same people
The pursuit of acknowledgement and justice for survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) continues boldly. Earlier this month, victims of conflict from two countries, Uganda and South Sudan, joined together to share their experiences.
From 15th to 17th August 2018, the Justice and Reconciliation Project, together with the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN), hosted five women from South Sudan. They were accompanied by members of the Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance (FODAG). The organisation works in South Sudan to support victims of human rights abuse, especially victims of torture and SGBV.
FODAG aims to reach across borders, encouraging people from multiple countries to share stories and experiences. In fact, this is a key strategy in helping survivors of conflict feel more comfortable speaking about their struggles, and ultimately seeking justice.
The people of northern Uganda are incredibly resilient. They suffered through a two-decade long war, and have progressed greatly, despite the odds being stacked against them. This is a potential source of inspiration for the group from South Sudan.
The aim of WAN members was to share their experiences during conflict, and their post-conflict journeys, emphasizing the power of solidarity as a formidable factor enabling them to come together as survivors and build a strong future. Further, WAN sought to engage their guests in two activities. The first was a workshop during which the two groups could exchange experiences. This was followed by two days of visits to various WAN groups.
The collaboration was incredibly fruitful.
The Power of Solidarity and Stories of Resilience
The exchange featured in-house discussions and experience sharing among the participants. The WAN chairperson explained that she and her colleagues had sat down years ago and in conversation realized that they could advocate for themselves and respond to many pressing issues. Her stories received much attention. She spoke powerfully of how the original seven members were able to defy odds and gain huge amounts of support from other victims. This ultimately lead to the creation of many groups under the umbrella WAN.
Members of Women’s Advocacy Network in Awach pose for a group photo together with the SGBV victims from South Sudan following an experience sharing meeting.
Two WAN members added evocatively to the discussion by sharing their experiences in captivity. They were forced to walk long distances and endured brutal punishment and sex slavery. They also faced many challenges as a result of fighting with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
Akello*, a member of WAN, shared her story of rape which caused many of the south Sudanese victims to break down. ‘I was fourteen when I was given to a man of 43 whom I should almost call my grandfather. He turned me to be his wife ……and raped me’. Akello said.
The story of Aloyo* was equally touching for the women, encouraging the five participants from the worlds’ youngest nation to start telling their stories. Aloyo shared, ‘I want to thank God that he protected me to date. I was abducted in 1996 when I was 14. I was straight away given to a man. I had never known a man in my life and I had to bear helplessly………after a year I became pregnant, but that man also died, and the suffering continued.’
Through the various advocacy efforts, both locally and internationally, WAN members continue to share their experiences and as well as learn from other networks of survivors that have been through similar traumas. According to them, this will strengthen collaborations and increase the platforms to learn and advocate together on issues affecting survivors of conflict SGBV.
At the close of the event, WAN members held a debrief meeting to reflect on what was gained from this experiences exchange. Great satisfaction was immediately expressed by the South Sudanese who explained that they had learnt a great deal and will not go back home the same people.
The two parties concluded that in spite of all they went through, they will not sit and wallow in pain and misery. Rather they will work hard to alleviate the challenges they are facing.
The last two weeks marked the end of yet another successful training block of six Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) groups in the sub-counties of Lapono, Dzaipi, Namokora, Soroti, Abia and Abok. Each group consisted of a two-day training funded by Trust Africa to promote SGBV responsiveness, and Welfare Fund for its Livelihood project emphasising the importance of leadership skills and group dynamics.
JRP Head of Office Isaac Okwir, Odong Kizito Program Manager of Stir Education, Unzimay Ronald of Danish Refugee Council and Senior Empowerment Manager Akidi Brenda Nancy of Thrive, facilitated the SGBV responsiveness training sessions. The Community Development Officer of each sub-county facilitated the second day on leadership skills and group dynamics. This is to ensure that each group is introduced to their local community leader to foster a working relationship in case of arising concerns.
The first day addressed a variety of issues including indicators of sexual violence human rights, the distinction between gender and sex and SGBV responsiveness and prevention. The second day addressed leadership skills and group dynamics—specifically, leadership roles, qualities of a good leader, communication skills and conflict management. The participants also gained practical skills including implementing bi-laws, requirements for group registration, recordkeeping, and opening a joint bank account.
Despite traveling long distances, the participants were thoroughly satisfied with the training and gained invaluable insight into SGBV-related issues. The training more importantly instilled in them the confidence to lead their communities out of conflict and to educate others on gender equality and human rights. JRP is confident that the participants will apply the skills they learned to their everyday lives, and will become agents of change in their communities.
As part of monitoring the Dominic Ogwen trial (‘Ongwen Trial’) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), JRP gathered the opinions of community members directly affected by the LRA in Acholi and Lango sub regions to inform the trial process. Of the many issues discussed, the concerns raised by victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) appeared to be the most pertinent. With the expansion of cases against Dominic Ongwen involving SGBV crime, victims of sexual violence do not feel they are given an adequate platform to follow the trial and express their views. According to many SGBV victims, they are marginalized in their community as a result of the stigma attached to sexual violence and being a former abductee. Consequently, they are unable to sit with other community members to watch the trial and express their opinions freely. The victims of SGBV therefore seek a more conducive environment that enables them to participate in the trial at the local level.
Other issues raised by the community concern the victim’s reparation mechanism of the ICC. Whilst they expressed their knowledge of being beneficiaries of the ICC Trust Fund for Victims (‘Trust Fund’), only verified victims who testify and confirm the situation can benefit from the reparations scheme. As such, they believe it is not fair to compensate those who testify at trial. Victims also hold the view that compensating only victims directly affected by Ongwen or his brigade is likely to cause segregation and division among other LRA abductees. Furthermore, there is an overall loss of morale for victims to participate in the trial process as a result of the conditions imposed by the ICC Trust Fund. They posed questions such as “what justice will I get from the trial?” Questions like these reflect the inadequacy of information disseminated to the victims, which has resulted in a lack of understanding by the victims of the mechanism itself.
Victims also believe the UPDF should be held accountable for their suffering. In their view, the ICC is working for the Government of Uganda by using government resources as evidence to prosecute Dominic Ongwen. According to the victims, if the Government was able to track Ongwen’s communications with the LRA leader when planning to attack a village, then why didn’t the UPDF respond to protect the civilians or inform civilians of the planned attack? Consequently, victims are dissatisfied and disappointed with Ugandan Government’s submission of evidence to the ICC. Victims also believe the ICC process is selective justice. They questioned why only Dominic Ongwen is being tried and why other commanders who were more culpable were given amnesty
Contrasting interests in the Ongwen trial has resulted in segregation between victims and local communities. While victims wish to see Ongwen punished and held accountable for his actions, local communities either want Ongwen to walk free or to be prosecuted through a local justice mechanism. The increasing tension between victims and local communities calls for reconciliation efforts.
Despite the ICC’s attempt to anonymise witnesses through voice distortion, victims can still be identified by those who have lived with them for a significant period of time. This has caused insecurity in potential witnesses, thereby discouraging participation in the trial process.
Identification and registration of witnesses have also proved to be problematic. Victims believe that legitimate victims are being excluded because local leaders and those in charge of witness identification and registration have abused the system by registering their friends and family to benefit from the trial.
JRP urges the ICC to strengthen its complementarity mechanism to promote co-existence irrespective of the court process. People should be prepared to co-exist regardless of whether Ongwen is found guilty.
In seeking to respond to some of the issues raised, JRP in partnership with ICC Women and in collaboration with the ICC’s Field Outreach Office in Uganda, we will be showing a private screening to victims of SGBV in the districts of Gulu, Amuru, Abok, Pader, and Nwoya. This initiative seeks to provide a more suitable environment for conflict-affected SGBV victims to follow the trial process and to freely express their views. JRP is confident that this initiative will empower victims of sexual violence to participate in the trial process, whilst encouraging them to advocate for justice and accountability for the injustices they suffered.
Wednesday July 4 marked yet another successful training for twenty-two WAN leaders from 22 WAN groups across northern Uganda to be representatives of change in their communities. The two-day capacity building training was organised as part of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) project implemented by JRP for Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN), with funding support from Trust Africa.
The training aimed to provide WAN leaders the tools to empower their communities through advocacy and SGBV responsiveness. Led by experts in the field, the training covered a variety of topics including human rights advocacy, leadership and management skills, transitional justice policy and reconciliation and transitional justice challenges and development. Despite differences in language, education and experience, they learned that all human beings are born with human rights and that human rights are to be enjoyed universally.
JRP’s Head of Office, Isaac Okwir discussed substantive human rights and how the Ugandan Government should ensure all human rights are properly implemented. He also taught them practical advocacy skills and the importance of voicing their problems when their rights have been violated. Ker Kwaro Acholi Gender Program Officer Balmoi Caide Okello taught them leadership skills to lead their communities out of conflict through dispute resolution and management. He explained the qualities of a good leader and manager and explained effective management methods including mediation and mobilisation. Deputy Prime Minister of the Acholi Chiefdom, Ochora Emmanuel Lagedo explained transitional justice challenges affecting SGBV victims in Northern Uganda, transitional justice processes and opportunities for redress and reconstruction.
One of the key aspects of the training was to instil in them the confidence to lead and empower their communities with the knowledge and skills they gained. When asked what they had learned, the room beamed with confidence and smiles. One WAN leader (Molly) explained she was never aware she had human rights and thought only educated people were entitled to them. She now knows that she is entitled to all human rights and will ensure they are respected. Another woman (Pauline) voiced a similar view, ensuring all human rights are recognised and respected within her community. Jenifer and Sarah also explained how the training gave them the confidence to voice human rights violations and lead their communities.
After a successful two days, WAN leaders returned to their homes to empower their communities with the knowledge and skills they acquired. JRP is confident the training will make a long-lasting impact on all WAN groups, and is hopeful that one day, victims of war will be listened to, respected and considered in the planning and implementation of government programs and policies.
It was yet another successful day in the field in the district of Adjumani. SGBV victims including, men and women chose goat rearing as their Income Generating Activity. Whilst they expressed some doubts regarding JRP’s assistance, we managed to successfully convince them that unlike other organisations, we deliver our promises. We shared success stories of other conflict-affected communities in Northern Uganda and showed them photos of how they can equally achieve similar outcomes.
Dialogue held at Pabo sub-county with WAN members, relatives and local leaders present. Photo by Patrick Odong/JRP.
As communities navigate a post-conflict journey together, it is key for a stage to be given for different groups within society to share their experiences, challenges and current journeys.
Recently, as part of the “Livelihood” project implemented by JRP and Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN), with funding from Uganda fund, four dialogues were organised in three districts: Pader, Nwoya, and Amuru. The formulation of these dialogues came about after feedback sessions conducted across various WAN groups had brought to light a number of common challenges faced by WAN members. It was conceived by JRP and WAN that such challenges should be discussed with members, local government and cultural officials, as well as spouses and supporting relatives as gender-related issues that need a holistic approach for them to be remedied.
Being mainly made up of victims of conflict-related SGBV, the WAN groups have been supported throughout this project in a number of ways. The project supports WAN groups in selecting an Income Generating Activity (IGA) for the group and building it together into a sustainable and efficient source of income for members. Throughout the project period, members have noticed that certain challenges are standing in the way of complete achievement of the project’s aims. Such common challenges highlighted included: jealousy, stigma, land conflict, lack of local authority assistance, and harming of animals distributed as part of project. During the dialogue, members were given the opportunity to elaborate on these points in order to help paint a clearer picture for those relatives and local leaders in attendance.
A key question posed to the groups was whether they felt they were experiencing such issues due to their identity as a victim of SGBV or whether it was due to their gender. Whilst some emphasized the role their gender plays in the challenges they face, most accentuated how being a victim of SGBV, and for many a returnee from LRA captivity, brought the most challenges. Although members perhaps did not agree completely, it is important that these members consider the gender aspect, so that effective remedies can be agreed upon.
When addressing the issues discussed that related to local land conflict or relations with the local authorities, local government officials were on hand to listen, respond and advise. Many of the local leaders acknowledged how they were formerly unaware of some of the problems the group faced and called for all groups to work closely with the local authority. Providing a space for discussion between the members and the local leaders proved promising and could be important for the future of the groups’ project implementation.
After such a long period of violence that impacted the lives of most in northern Uganda, it is necessary to aid in social reconstruction and reconciliation. In aiding groups to inform other members, relatives and important figures within the community on their activities, hopes and struggles, we hope communities within northern Uganda can build a bright and peaceful future together.
JRP and WAN meets with Ker Kal Kwero and family members to discuss the case. Photo by Joyce Abalo/JRP
The story of Okello*
When the truth is bitter: the story of a mother who long awaited to be reunited with her son
Okello, the son of a well-known LRA commander, was born in captivity during the LRA conflict. When he managed to escape from captivity he was still very young and escaped with a group of other children born in captivity, leaving his mother behind. Whilst Okello sought refuge in Rachele rehabilitation centre, a team of NGO agencies attempted to search for his maternal and paternal family. The search ended in NGO agencies finding what they thought was the biological maternal family of Okello and handed the child over to them for them to care of him. What later transpired was that there had been confusion concerning the mothers name, as both the biological mother of Okello and the daughter of the family caring for Okello had both been called Nancy*. Therefore, like many other cases of children who returned from captivity, Okello was not being cared for by his true family.
Without knowing the true identity of the child, the family he was given to continued to raise him. At this time, Evelyn, leader of WAN and a member of the JRP team, knew Nancy, the biological mother, from her time in captivity and came to believe that Okello was being taken care of by a family other than his own. Evelyn explained: “when I met with Okello some years back while I was still for studying on an adult literacy course. Okello told me he missed his mother and brother Banya so much that when he started to think about them he could not study well.” That was when Evelyn took a step to see that Okello privately met the mother. In 2014, Evelyn arranged for Okello and Nancy, the perceived biological mother, to meet at the JRP office. It was noted by those attending that both the mother and child instantly knew that they were matched correctly, as Okello immediately asked his mother about his brother, Banya – something only the true son would have been able to say. However, despite this meeting, Evelyn did not know how to tell this news to the grandmother of the child, as she knew how devastating it would be.
A few years passed and in this period the grandmother of the family that had originally taken Okello in had passed on. This news came to the attention of the school when the term finished and Okello was left at the school with no one to pick him up. His schooling, and that of many of the father’s other children, at that time was being funded by a sponsor organisation and so this organisation took it upon themselves to email his sponsor, a Belgian citizen, to explain the problem. Due to difficulties in arranging adoption, the same sponsor asked the deputy head teacher of Gulu Public Primary School to care for Okello and provided her with the monetary means to do so. When this issue arose, Evelyn communicated with the sponsor organisation that she believed the mother had actually returned from captivity and did not belong to the family who originally took care of Okello. Nancy, the friend of Evelyn who she believed was the real mother, was not sure whether Okello was alive or not.
When JRP and WAN came to hear of the worsening situation for Okello, they mobilised various important people involved in this situation for two dialogues to discuss and attempt to resolve this issue. The first meeting, chaired by JRP and WAN, brought together the prime minister of Acholi Ker kal Kwaro (a local cultural institution), Nancy Abalo (the lady claiming she was Okello’s mother), the benefactor that was supporting Okello in school and the elderly woman who claimed Okello was a grandchild of the family. During the meeting, the prime minister of Ker Kal Kwero asked Nancy Abalo to present the reasons as to why she claims that Okello is her son. With tears rolling from her eyes she said:
‘‘first of all, I did not die, I am alive. When the government soldiers attacked, I had already left that area, but my son was with another group that escaped and returned back home. My son, while in captivity, developed a disease that affected all the finger nails, and all were wounded. The finger nails grew back apart from one fingernail that did not grow back well, and that is a sign that I can use to identify my son. Besides, he knows his brother because by the time my son had been separated from me, his younger brother called Banya was already around and he loved him so much.’’
A member of the sponsor organisation said that in the process of seeking for the truth about Okello’s true mother, the Belgian sponsor had organised for a DNA test to be taken for both Okello and the mother. The member said: ‘‘I am pleased to inform that I have the copy of the DNA results which I shall hand over to the prime minister of Ker Kal Kwaro. These results stated clearly that Nancy Abalo is the biological mother of Okello – there is no doubt about it.”
Before the DNA test results were released, the member of Sponsor Children Uganda explained that at first, they thought that Nancy was not the biological mother of Okello. This was believed because the women who were close to Okello’s mother while in captivity said that Nancy had been killed by a bomb that had been thrown by the government soldiers, who even covered her body, confirming that she was dead.
A beautiful moment happened when one of the women claiming that Okello was not a son to Nancy arrived. She arrived just as the DNA results were being presented to the prime minister. On seeing that Nancy was alive she was completely shocked and asked, “where have you been that I could not see you?” She was overwhelmed with guilt and asked for forgiveness from Okello’s mother: “I am sorry for all that I said. I thought you had passed on. But now that you are here and alive, it is better for Okello that he lives with his biological mother, so that a bond may be built between them and they may feel the love each other missed.” The prime minister then resolved that a step needed to be taken so that Okello is given to his biological mother. The mother was full of joy and proclaimed, “I will carry my son on my back however old he is and give him all the love a mother can give her child.”
The second meeting held by JRP and WAN to discuss the issue further brought together members of both the paternal and maternal side of Okello, the family claiming to be related to Okello, the deputy head teacher of Gulu Public primary school and the Prime Minister of Ker Kal Kwero. In addressing the group, the prime minster said: “In Acholi culture it is not allowed for a different person to force and claim custody of a blood which is not theirs. Therefore, the reason the meeting was held was to ensure that Okellogets to know who his biological mother is and where he can finally call home.”
Once the Prime Minister confirmed that the DNA test showed the 99.99% likelihood of Nancy Abalo being the biological mother of Okello, Okot* a member from the family claiming Okello, narrated how he got to know Okello. He said:
“Okello is my nephew, a son to my sister Aciro Nancy* who was abducted from Koch Amar in 1988 and to this date has not returned. In 2004, I was approached by a team of members from Rachele rehabilitation Centre who came to my carpentry work place and told me of a child called Okello a son to Nancy. They said that I should take over the responsibility for caring for Okello. I took the news positively and spoke to my late mother. Together we organized various cultural procedures like ‘Nyono tong gweno’ (stepping on an egg before entering the home) and Okello was welcomed home.”
Despite the DNA test results, Okot went ahead and asked Nancy Abalo the name of her clan and its location, saying that she probably changed her name whilst in captivity. Despite this allegation, Nancy’s mother was present to prove that Nancy Abalo was not related to Okot – something that was clear just based on resemblance. Nancy’s mother said: “Nancy Abalo is my daughter and the name Nancy Abalo was given by me. She was abducted but returned. When she returned, I found her with two children, but she told me that her other son went missing. I am happy that her missing son is what we are discussing today because for so long she has been craving to meet him again.”
A paternal uncle to Okello explained, “my brother was abducted and at one point passed via home and said he had wives and children. I told him to return home with the wives and children so that he could start taking care of them, but he said his mission was not done yet. Therefore, I acknowledge that my brother has children, although some we don’t know their whereabouts. Okello is one of them and I believe the DNA test result. Although it is my first time to meet Nancy Abalo, I believe wholeheartedly that Okello belongs to her. A mother knows who her child is and who the father is.”
The uncle showed sincere sorrow and pain for the mistreatment of the children of his brother. He elaborated this by explaining how one of his brother’s children, whose mother comes from Pabbo, walked on foot to the paternal home due to mistreatment. He said, “we had to flee away from Patiko due to continuous attack by the government soldiers for where our brother was. My mother was severely beaten by the government soldiers because of my brother.” As he recounted the story he broke down in tears. He noted that, “it will be very important if these children are allowed to know their paternal family members, even if they are not able to stay with us due to financial difficulties. Unfortunately, we cannot take care of them all. However, we ask that those in scholarships will continue to be supported.” Later in the meeting, the paternal grandmother to Okello said, “I am happy to hear that I have grandchildren and I wish to see them while I am still alive. Even though my son is dead, I am happy that I can see his image through his children.”
The prime minster later explained that the Acholi Ker Kal Kwaro is not a court place to pronounce judgments. Instead, it listens to the situation of the people and helps bring forward resolutions to matters. The suggestions given by the Acholi Ker Kal Kwaro were as follows:
Nancy the mother to Okello has full rights to know, see, and talk to the child
As per Acholi culture, it is the role of the paternal side of Okello to care for the children
Unity is needed since Okello has a bond with both his biological parents and the families that took care of him
Plans to organise Okello and the other brothers to be taken home to both the maternal and paternal side
Therefore, it was resolved that everyone present would go and meet Okello at the home of the deputy head teacher. When the trip took place, Okello was told who his biological mother and paternal family were. To the dismay of many, Okello did not accept Nancy as his biological mother, saying, “I don’t know any Nancy Abalo, I only know Aciro Nancy, and my uncle Okot.” This caused Nancy Abalo a lot of pain and she broke down in tears. She later said to Evelyn, “my child has been brain washed.” When she had previously met Okello, he had been happy to meet her. She was consoled by Evelyn and was encouraged to never to give up. For Nancy Abalo, this day was full of mixed emotions: sadness after not being accepted by her son, but also happiness and joy after as she was able to see her son again after such a long time. Therefore, despite the fact that Nancy was denied by her son, she promised to always come and see him with his brothers, since they will also be enrolled under the same sponsorship that Okello is benefiting from.
The case of Okello highlights the many complexities of the LRA conflict. Nearly every family was impacted heavily by the conflict and in trying to deal with the consequences it can be extremely difficult. It is not rare that children who returned from captivity were reunited with a family other than their biological family, and in some cases, children were even taken in to be used as workers or housemaids. Therefore, WAN and JRP, with the help of cultural institutions, seeks to aid in reintegrating children born in captivity with their biological family, so a sense of identity and belonging may be reinstated and for the wellbeing of the child to be a focus for all involved.
*The names of those involved have been changed so that their identity may be preserved
