FORCEFUL ARRIVAL! The Story of War Survivors in Baralonyo &Abok Ex- IDP camps

OYAM, UGANDA: The Barlonyo and Abok Memorial Sites serve as poignant reminders of the horrific atrocities carried out by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda nearly two decades ago. On February 21, 2004, the Barlonyo Massacre claimed the lives of over 300 innocent civilians, an event that left the region reeling. Today, a monument in Lira district stands as a tribute to those who perished in this tragic attack. 

In a similar vein, on June 8, 2004, LRA forces under the command of Dominic Ongwen targeted the Abok camp for Internally Displaced People in Ngai Sub-county, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, including five children. The assault also led to the destruction of more than 600 huts and the abduction of 26 people. These acts of violence have left deep wounds in the local communities, which continue to feel the impact even after 20 years.

While many survivors have physically recovered, the emotional and psychological scars linger on. The communities in Barlonyo, Abok, and northeastern Uganda still require healing and support, as numerous survivors grapple with the enduring trauma of conflict. 

In an inspiring effort to foster hope and provide tangible assistance, young Lango author and poet Norman Ajwer Ocen has emerged with a mission to uplift the youth in these war-affected regions. His upcoming book, "Forceful Arrival," set to launch on September 28, narrates the harrowing events of the attacks, aiming to mend wounds and foster warmth within the community.

In an interview, Ajwer expressed his commitment to advocating for the rights of fatherless children in Barlonyo and Abok, whose parents were victims of the violence. Upon visiting Barlonyo, he was deeply moved by the painful stories he encountered, prompting him to document these experiences for the world to understand the brutality of the events.

"Forceful Arrival" is rich with narratives from war survivors, community members, and local leaders. The author is hopeful that this printed documentary will draw global attention and support for the struggling youth from the former IDP camps in Lango. The launch event, taking place at Lira Hotel in Lira City, is anticipated to attract a distinguished audience.