Lutheran World Relief (LWR) praises the introduction of legislation which would address the brutal, decades-long violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda and neighboring countries. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA), Brad Miller (D-NC), and Ed Royce (R-CA) introduced The Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on May 19, 2009.
The proposed legislation would require the Obama administration to craft an interagency strategy to protect civilians, remove child soldiers from the conflict, and halt LRA violence. The legislation provides emergency aid for people affected by LRA attacks throughout central Africa. It also authorizes additional U.S. assistance for transparent and accountable recovery and reconciliation efforts in northern Uganda. Recovery and reconciliation would particularly address tensions between communities in northern and southern Uganda. Such efforts would also promote justice that recognizes victims and investigates human rights violations.
Led by Joseph Kony, the LRA has launched attacks in northern Uganda for over twenty years. The violence has killed thousands, displaced nearly two million people, and destabilized central Africa. The LRA has kidnapped 66,000 children to serve as child soldiers and sexual slaves. In 2006, the LRA left Uganda but continues its attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
“Lutheran World Relief is pleased to endorse this new piece of legislation,” said Annalise Romoser, LWR Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. “Smart investment in long-term recovery is essential if the people of northern Uganda are to live with peace and dignity. Transitional justice initiatives and the development of basic infrastructure such as food and water systems are crucial elements to lasting peace and reconciliation in Uganda. Such investment from the United States will support the inspiring efforts of northern Ugandans to return home and rebuild after decades of war and displacement.”
Peace negotiations between the Ugandan government and LRA have reduced violence in recent years but Kony has refused to sign a final agreement. In December 2008, Ugandan, Congolese, and south Sudanese militaries coordinated the Operation Lightning Thunder offensive against the LRA. Since then, the LRA has retaliated by killing over 1,000 civilians and abducting more than 400 people.
Senator Russ Feingold, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, emphasized the need for building on the peace negotiations. “If we are now to finally see this conflict to its end, we need to commit to a proactive strategy to help end the threat posed by the LRA and support reconstruction, justice, and reconciliation in northern Uganda.”
Lutheran World Relief has long called for peace in Uganda that protects the victims of violence and allows them to rebuild their lives. LWR supports increased U.S. diplomatic and financial support for peace talks between the Ugandan government and rebel leaders. LWR also promotes financial assistance for the return of displaced Ugandans to their homes, reintegration of ex-combatants into society, and the development of civilian local judicial systems.
For more information about LWR advocacy work on Uganda, contact Annalise Romoser at advocacy@lwr.org.
