More than a Child of War

At UUSC, we recently had a special opportunity in our Cambridge, Mass., offices — a visit from Jackie Okanga, one of our international partners from northern Uganda. Jackie was instrumental in our work with partner organization Caritas Pader, who we collaborated with to help the Acholi people rebuild their communities and return home to their villages after over 20 years living in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

You may have heard of the online video Kony 2012, about the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). I would suggest, however, viewing War/Dance, a film that Jackie recommends about the history of LRA impact on northern Ugandans. The film follows a few youth as they tell about their personal experiences living in IDP camps, the circumstances that required them to leave their homes, and how they reconnect to their culture and one another.

Without giving too much away, I will share that the film demonstrates the amazing resiliency people have to regain their strength, especially when they have community to stand with them. That is unfortunately part of the story that Kony 2012 leaves out. This theme resonates for me, especially being part of an organization that works together with others using an eye-to-eye partnership model and is structured as a grassroots member-based human-rights organization.

Jackie shared how community is a strong attribute for northern Ugandans, even to the point of remaining open to the return of Kony to the Acholi villages. He is originally a member of the Acholi tribe; Jackie related dialogues she has had where the Acholi don't seek retribution but rather offer redemption. They seek to understand, and the best way to gain understanding is through connection. 

External influences certainly helped shape the situation in Uganda, including influence of private corporations and government. Rebellions begun for altruistic and ideological reasons turned into self-perpetuating war. Breaking the chain by calling home all displaced sons and daughters is a powerful step to understanding, and that leads to sustainable healing and community building. One of the more moving quotes from the film is when one of the youth proclaims, "I am more than a child of war ... I am the future."