As I sit down to write this, my heart heavy with the weight of memories, I am transported back to the horrors of my childhood. Growing up in Obiya village, Agago district, northern Uganda, I was forced to endure the unimaginable atrocities committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) under the leadership of Joseph Kony.

I am an Acholi, a member of the ethnic group that bore the brunt of the LRA’s brutality. My family, my community, and I were subjected to unspeakable violence, forced to flee our homes, and live in constant fear.

The memories of those dark days still haunt me. I remember the sound of gunfire, the smell of smoke, and the sight of loved ones being taken away, never to be seen again. I recall the feeling of hunger, of thirst, and of desperation that gripped us as we struggled to survive.

The pain of watching my sisters being raped before my eyes, the pain of witnessing my family and friends slaughtered like animals and cooked in pots to be eaten by rebels.

These experiences have left an indelible mark on my life. They have shaped me into the person I am today, and they continue to influence my thoughts, my emotions, and my actions.

As I look back on those violent years, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the unimaginable horrors we faced, my community and I found ways to survive, to adapt, and to rebuild.

But I am also reminded of the importance of remembrance. We must remember the atrocities that were committed, the lives that were lost, and the families that were torn apart. We must remember the pain, the suffering, and the trauma that still lingers today.

As I share my story, I hope that you will remember with me the countless others who suffered in the IDP camps. I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on the devastating impact of war on individuals, communities, and societies. And I hope that you will join me in advocating for peace, justice, and human rights for all.

As I conclude my story, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Uganda for their efforts in bringing peace and stability to northern Uganda. The government’s commitment to rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of the war has not gone unnoticed.

I specifically want to thank the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for their bravery and sacrifices in fighting against the LRA and restoring peace in the region. Your efforts have enabled many of us to return to our homes, rebuild our lives, and start anew.

I also appreciate the government’s initiatives in providing support and rehabilitation services to survivors of the war, including myself. These efforts have helped us to heal, rebuild, and reintegrate into our communities.

Together, let us remember the past, but also look towards a brighter future. A future where children can grow up without fear of war, where communities can thrive without the threat of violence, and where human rights are respected and protected for all.