History of Uganda

In 1986 a war began in Northern Uganda
Map of Uganda. What started as a small insurgency by a rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army against the Ugandan People's Defence Force escalated into a devastating and bloody conflict that shattered the lives of the Acholi people for more than 20 years. The fighting resulted in 100,000 casualties and more than 30,000 children abducted by rebels. In an attempt to restrict rebel supply lines and secure the population, the Ugandan government mandated the resettlement of 1.4-million people into Internally Displaced People camps, leaving them isolated from resources, dependent on donor aid and struggling to survive.

Gradually this conflict has come to an end. The Ugandan government offered the rebels amnesty in 2001 and then launched a successful military campaign to force the remaining members out of the country. In 2005 the International Criminal Court issued warrants against the five top leaders of the LRA for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Over the past few years civilians have been leaving the IDP camps to return to their homes, and communities are working together to re-establish themselves. As the crisis in Northern Uganda ends, the possibility for sustainable community development begins. Support is now more vital than ever to help the people of Northern Uganda rebuild and reclaim their lives.