In memory of the Barlonyo massacre

Feb 20, 2005

ON February 21, 2004, the world woke up to one of the worst killings ever to have taken place in the long forgotten war in the north. Initially, the Government put the number of people killed at 80.

Omara Atubo

ON February 21, 2004, the world woke up to one of the worst killings ever to have taken place in the long forgotten war in the north. Initially, the Government put the number of people killed at 80.

Today, it is officially accepted that at least 300 persons were brutally killed from a camp of 5,000 persons. The camp was under the poor protection of 50 newly-trained and inexperienced Amuka Boys (UPDF auxiliary local force.)

The Barlonyo massacre captured international attention like the Bali (Indonesia) and the Madrid (Spain) terrorist bombings. The International Criminal Court has developed special interest in the infamous Barlonyo massacre. It has since mounted intensive investigation with a view of unearthing the whole truth and prosecuting those responsible for the tragedy.

After delays and protracted handling of the issues related to the massacre, the Government later took responsibility of giving the remains a decent burial at a national function presided over by President Museveni. The Government also promised to build a vocational school in memory of the victims. However, the construction is yet to commence.

It was the Barlonyo massacre that opened the eyes of the country and the rest of the world to the serious, but ignored insecurity Lango region was facing.

Many previous killings had gone unnoticed, such as those in Otuke, Abia, Olero, Abako, Aloi, Omoro, Alito, Aboke, Minakulo, Ngai, Otwal, Ogur and Aromo.
The people of Lango through their political, religious and cultural leaders met recently and resolved to hold Barlonyo Massacre Memorial Service first anniversary on Monday, February 21, with the following objectives:

  • To pray for peace, unity and reconciliation.

  • To pray for the victims of the Barlonyo massacre, to hasten their healing process and to give them hope.
  • To pray for all the victims of insecurity, rebellion and cattle rustling.

  • To launch the Annual Memorial Prayers in Lango for victims of war.



  • There are a number of lessons to learn from the Barlonyo massacre, including:

  • To do everything possible to end the war immediately and to realise permanent peace.

  • To ensure that those condemned to camps are protected and provided with basic necessities of life.

  • To extend special assistance to the victims of insecurity, especially in the areas of education and income-generation. These victims are extremely poor and helpless.



  • Excluding those displaced persons, living with host families, there are about 500,000 persons in Lango condemned to live in camps. The level of poverty and humanitarian situation is acutely deplorable. No reasonable Ugandan can pretend to enjoy peace and development when any part of this country is suffering such great inhumanities. Ugandans must therefore, unite and work for total peace, justice and development.

    Never in the history of Uganda has such a large number of people lost their lives in one single incident. We lost innocent lives in Barlonyo massacre, but Barlonyo shall never die. In a ruthless attack, we lost our souls, but Barlonyo shall never be forgotten.

    From the graves of Barlonyo, comes great hope for the region. From these graves, great things shall come and wipe our tears. We shall be consoled.

    We are extremely grateful to the Vice-president, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, for accepting to officiate at the function.

    The writer is the
    vice-chairperson, Lango Parliamentary Group

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