The LRA Insurgency in Northern Uganda was a devastating war marked by unspeakable cruelties and the abduction and sexual exploitation of children.
LRA War: 1994 - 2002
ABDUCTED
KILLED
DISPLACED
Historical Context
Northern Uganda
Tens of thousands of young girls, aged 10 to 15 were abducted by the LRA and kept as slaves and ‘wives’ for an average of 8 years. When they eventually escaped or were emancipated from captivity, they returned as young women, traumatized, abused, neglected and deprived of their basic human rights to shelter, safety, security, food and education. Many of them came back home carrying their Children born of War (CBoW), one, two, or even three kids that they had mothered and raised in the “bush.”
Some were warmly welcomed by their families, but many were not. They returned to a strange new world, in which they had somehow been recast as “Rebels!” and “Konis!” After all they had suffered at the hands of those cruel rebel soldiers, these innocent young victims were now branded as villains! Far too many were shunned and rejected, forced to wander around in search of a place to stay, seeking work, food and education for their children.
Most of the abductees returned from captivity during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, which means that they are now in their 30’s and 40’s, and that their children born in captivity are now in their 20’s or early 30’s. Some of these women began helping and counselling their fellow survivors. Others, with the support of their families and non-profit organizations, were able to complete their education and pursue further studies. Many of these women emerged as leaders and healers in their communities; Women Survivor Leaders (WSLs).
Our Research
Out of the Shadows
Our comprehensive survey, including thousands of women and youth survivors of the war and abduction, across the North, revealed a silent crisis of festering wounds and ongoing marginalization, yet at the same time the untapped potential of the amazing women and youth eager to serve their fellow survivors and their communities.
