Lango communities hopeful as ICC hears war crimes charges against warlord Kony

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Communities in northern Uganda’s Lango sub-region are cautiously optimistic as the International Criminal Court (ICC) Tuesday, September 9, 2025, starts hearing war crimes charges against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, accused of spearheading a brutal reign of terror that killed tens of thousands.

For decades, Kony, the leader of rebel outfit, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), has evaded justice despite being accused of orchestrating some of the most heinous atrocities committed during the brutal conflict in northern Uganda and neighbouring countries. Now, ICC is taking a step toward accountability, sparking renewed hope for victims and their families.

Agnes Acen, the head of a local peace and development forum in Lira city, expressed her optimism during a recent dialogue meeting organised by the ICC in Lira.

“Let this be the beginning of accountability for thousands of people who suffered innocently during this war,” she said.

Kony, who remains at large since an ICC arrest warrant was issued against him nearly two decades ago, faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, forced enlistment of child soldiers and attacks on civilian populations.

The hearing, held at The Hague in the Netherlands, marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice. It is the first time the ICC has conducted such proceedings in absentia, following a 2022 amendment allowing pre-trial processes to proceed even when the accused is not in custody. This procedural milestone underscores the court’s determination to address impunity, despite challenges in apprehending Kony.

Complementing justice with traditional reconciliation

While legal accountability is critical, some stakeholders emphasise the need to blend formal justice mechanisms with traditional reconciliation methods.

Margaret Akullo Elem, who participated in the failed Juba Peace Talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government, highlighted the importance of community-driven healing processes.

“If the International Crimes Division is handling the topmost perpetrator, we should complement this with traditional ways of peacebuilding called mato oput (truth-telling and reconciliation) to heal victims who were indirectly affected,” she said.

This approach could provide a more holistic path to recovery for communities that continue to grapple with the scars of the conflict.

Kony is accused of orchestrating attacks on civilians in eight locations across northern Uganda, including Lwala Girls Secondary School in Kalaki, Abia in Alebtong, Abok in Oyam, Lukodi in Gulu, Pagak in Amuru, Pajule in Pader, Odek in Omoro and Barlonyo in Lira districts. These sites remain etched in the collective memory of survivors as places of unspeakable suffering.

High expectations

Chris Ongom, the executive director of the Uganda Victims Foundation, emphasised the significance of the confirmation of charges hearing. 

“One of our roles is to ensure victims access justice and participate in all trial processes, including this stage,” he said. By allowing victims’ lawyers to present oral submissions, the ICC is recognising their rights and ensuring their voices are heard.

Ongom also noted that confirming the charges now would expedite future proceedings if Kony is ever arrested.

“If the charges are confirmed and the accused is apprehended, there will be no delays—the court will go straight to the trial stage,” he said. Additionally, it strengthens calls for international co-operation to ensure Kony’s eventual capture.

Benson Taiwo, a cultural leader in the Lango region, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in bringing Kony to justice.

“Some of us have been questioning if Kony is a human being because, since 2005, he cannot be traced or arrested and produced in court.”

Despite these concerns, Taiwo acknowledged that it is never too late to pursue accountability.

A notorious fugitive still at large

Joseph Kony, believed to be in his early 60s, gained global notoriety in the early 2000s, culminating in the viral 2012 documentary Kony 2012, which brought worldwide attention to his crimes. Despite numerous regional and international efforts to capture him, including a US-backed manhunt, his exact whereabouts remain unknown. Reports suggest he may be hiding in remote parts of Central Africa, continuing to evade justice.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Kony in 2005, making him the court’s longest-standing fugitive. He is the sole remaining LRA commander sought by the ICC, as other indicted leaders have either died or surrendered. The confirmation of charges hearing represents a step forward, but it also highlights the persistent challenges in holding Kony accountable.

The legal process

The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to last three days (September 9-11). During this period, the prosecution will present its case, while judges assess the strength of the evidence. If the court determines there is sufficient cause, it will proceed to a full trial, pending Kony’s eventual arrest and transfer to The Hague.

In the meantime, public video screenings of the proceedings are being conducted in major locations across northern Uganda and eastern regions, including Lira City, Gulu and Soroti. These screenings aim to ensure victims and affected communities can follow the process and feel connected to the pursuit of justice.

For many in the Lango region and beyond, this hearing is about restoring dignity to survivors, honouring the memories of those lost, and fostering hope for a future free from fear. As the ICC takes this historic step, the eyes of victims, advocates, and the world remain fixed on the outcome.