By KT Reporter
Survivors of the Lukodi massacre in Gulu district are seeking 6 billion Shillings for constructing a school, museum and a counselling centre at the site.
Wilfred Lalobo, the Chairperson of Lukodi Survivors and Victims’ Association, says that they have over 100 registered members and are struggling to construct a site that will last for generations.
“We are now mobilising ourselves to begin making 20,000 bricks as a step towards developing the land (memorial site) instead of waiting for endless promises from the government,” Lalobo stated.
He further urged members of the association to be patient as they wait for the government to implement and support them, thus cautioning them against thoughts of going into violence.
“Some people are suggesting we return to the bush to fight; that is not the way. We must seek support peacefully and focus on development. We have suffered enough and we deserve to live with dignity,” he urged.
These developments aim to honour the memory of the victims and support the children born in captivity with access to education and psychosocial services.
David Acire, Chairperson LC I, Lukodi village, emphasised the need for practical support and a centre that will empower the community.
“Many children born during the war and in captivity missed formal education; we need a standard vocational and technical training school here, and it will help equip them with skills to reintegrate and contribute to the community,” Acire noted.
According to Acire, the community is also advocating for the establishment of an international museum at the massacre site.
Adding that, “this museum would serve as a place for education and remembrance; funds raised from visitors will be managed through SACCO to directly benefit victims rather than relying solely on inconsistent support from well-wishers and government.”
Acire estimates that over 2,000 children born in captivity currently reside in northern Uganda and stressed that a counselling centre at the Lukodi site would be essential for addressing trauma among survivors and their families.
“We have tried to voice our concerns verbally for years with no response; but this year, we are submitting a formal proposal requesting UGX 6 billion to build the centre, museum, school and a public facility to empower victims,” Acire explained.
Okumu Martin, Deputy Prime Minister, Ker Kwaro Acholi, encouraged victims and relatives to prioritise self-rehabilitation and revealed that, as a cultural institution, they are preparing a proposal to fund monuments and museums at all war memorial sites in the region.
“With limited support from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, we are focusing on public awareness, psychosocial support and providing startup capital to children born in captivity,” Okumu revealed.
He further added that, “we must stop relying entirely on external help; let us work together to support our own. The Acholi cultural institution will continue to offer scholarships and skills training while lobbying for more resources.”
Between 1987 and 2006, more than 20,000 children were abducted by the LRA, and over 1.9 million people were displaced across Northern Uganda.
The Lukodi massacre stands as a grim reminder of the conflict’s devastating impact-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
