The Barlonyo and Abok Memorial Sites remains somber reminders of the brutal killings committed by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda nearly 20 year ago.
On February 21, 2004, Over 300 civilians were mercilessly killed in the Barlonyo Massacre, an attack that shook the region to its core. Today, a monument stands at Barlonyo in Lira district in remembrance of those who lost their lives in one of the LRAs attacks.
Similarly, on June 8, 2004, LRA rebels led by Dominic Ongwen attacked the Abok camp for Internally Displaced People in Ngai Sub-county, killing 25 people, including five children, burning over 600 huts, and abducting 26 individuals. These violent acts devastated the local communities, leaving scars that have yet to fully heal, even 20 years later.
While the physical wounds have healed for many survivors, the psychological and emotional scars remain. The communities in Barlonyo, Abok and north eastern Uganda are still in need of healing and support, with many survivors struggling to recover from the lasting trauma of war.
In a bid to offer hope and practical assistance, renowned Lango author and poet Norman Ajwer Ocen is stepping forward with a mission to empower the youth in these war-affected area.
With his latest book, “THE FORCEFUL ARRIVAL” is set to be launched on September 28 at St. Lira Hotel, not only narrates the brutal events of the LRA conflict but also seeks to heal the scars of war through community action.
Ajwers 187-page book explores the emotional and physical toll of the war through powerful poems and stories, illustrating the deep suffering experienced by the people of Northern Uganda.
However, the book launch is more than a literary event, it serves as a fundraising initiative aimed at helping the youth in Barlonyo and Abok rebuild their lives.
Entry to the venue will be free however the book will be sold at three price points: UGX 35,000 for Ordinary tickets, UGX 50,000 for VIP tickets, and UGX 100,000 for Premium tickets.
All the proceeds will go toward purchasing sewing machines for the communities of Barlonyo and Abok. In addition, Ajwers initiative will provide vocational training in mechanics, carpentry, and welding for the youth in these areas.
Ajwer expressed his desire to empower young girls and boys with the skills they need to achieve self-reliance. There is a need to equip them with vocational skills and offer technical advice to help them rebuild their futures, he noted.
The estimated budget for the initiative is UGX 8,750,000, which will cover the costs of the necessary equipment and training materials.
