THE FRAIL SITUATION IN UGANDA
| Previous Alerts |
ACTION ALERT 6/27/2008
For twenty-two years, northern Ugandans have sought an end to the horrific conflict that has devastated their communities and families. Since 1986 the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group have fought through out the region. Caught in the crossfire are thousands of civilians. In many cases the LRA has abducted children forcing them to become child soldiers and wives.
In August of 2006 a sign of hope came when the LRA and government began peace negotiations in Juba, South Sudan. Since 2006 the region has seen relative peace and people have begun to move from the refuge of Internally Displaced Persons camps to their homes. Sadly, this past March talks came to a halt when the LRA rebel leader, Joseph Kony, refused to sign a final peace agreement. Now, the leader's forces, which number less than 1000, have established bases in neighboring countries and re-introduced the practice of child abducting to increase their forces.
In the wake of the failed peace talks the government of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan have already begun plans for a military offensive against Kony and his rebels. This military action could endanger civilians in the region who have already suffered years of violence.
Even with many setbacks to peace in northern Uganda, local civil society leaders continue to strongly encourage direct dialog with the LRA rebel leaders in an effort to sign a final peace agreement. Now more than ever we encourage the international community to engage the Government of Uganda and the LRA to finalize the peace agreement.
Lutheran World Relief will keep you posted on any future action you can take to support peace in northern Uganda.
Please keep the people of Uganda in your prayers during this uncertain time.
Join the LWR Action Center today!
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
Let friends and family know about this action! "Tell a Friend"
or
Ask Others to Advocate with LWR - Sign-Up Sheet
Initiate your advocacy efforts in your home community. Ask your congregation, neighbors, family and friends to join with you in working for peace, justice and dignity for our brothers and sisters around the world by signing up to receive occasional LWR advocacy updates. Copy this resource and send filled in copies to LWR.
Join LWR's Advocacy email network.
For more information, please contact advocacy@lwr.org.
