In the late 1980’s and 1990’s, Uganda was identified as an African success story, having overcome the violence of the years under dictators Idi Amin and Milton Obote and the scourge of AIDS. In mid-2002 however, Uganda once again drew international attention for gross human rights violations and the untold suffering of its people when the war in northern Uganda between the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government, which began in 1986, escalated significantly. In 2002, renewed LRA attacks within northern Uganda were at their most brutal and destructive in the history of the nearly two-decade conflict and the number of Ugandans displaced from their homes more than tripled, increasing from 450,000 in early 2002 to over 1.6 million today. Peace negotiations between the LRA and Ugandan government began in Juba, South Sudan, in July 2006, and a cessation of hostilities was established on 25th August 2006. The peace talks have recently faltered, however, and the people of northern Uganda continue to live in fear of the renewed violence between the LRA and the Ugandan Government, as well as the LRA’s tactics of abduction, rape and murder of the civilian population in northern Uganda.
   
The situation is further complicated by the influx of refugees from neighboring conflicts, as well as violence in Karamoja, a region in eastern Uganda where violent raids by nomadic people and tribes often cross over to both Kenya and northern Uganda. The subsequent government disarmament exercise of Karimojong warriors has made access to basic services an even greater challenge for the all-ready needy population in Karamoja.

Voices from the Field: Posts from Uganda on the IRC blog

How We Help

The International Rescue Committee works in four conflict-affected regions – Northern Uganda (Kitgum, Gulu, Pader, and Lira districts), West Nile (Yumbe and Arua districts), Western Uganda (Masindi district) and Karamoja (Kotido, Moroto, and Nakapiripirit districts) – aiding victims of violence and providing emergency assistance, rehabilitation and development programming to meet the needs of the suffering. Programs >  Annual Report > 

How You Can Help

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