Some of the Barlonyo massacre victims who are into business with support from the government. Photos by Sharon Akello.
By Sharon Akello
Lira: Widows of the Barlonyo massacre are slowly rebuilding their lives, 20 years after the heinous crime committed by rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Rebels, (LRA).
Barlonyo is a Lango word which means “field of the wealth.” Situated in a rich agricultural area in Lira District, Barlonyo is a village that was transforming itself into a trading center at the border of river Moroto, which separates Lira, Alebtong and Otuke districts in the east of the sub-region.
The residents of Barlonyo, Agweng sub-county in Lira district, mainly grew millet, peas, cassava and simsim.
However, on February 21, 2004, the LRA rebels, believed to have been commanded by Okot Odihambo, attacked and massacred 301 people at Barlonyo village. The bodies were later buried in a mass grave.
Barlonyo Village had the population of 480 people who were living in an Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp. However, survivors claim that the number could be more because several people are still missing to date.
Twenty years after the gruesome incident, the area is developing into a trading center, with businesses booming and several permanent structures being built.
Three schools, Barlonyo Agro Technical Institute, Barlonyo Technical and Fountain Primary Schools, were established by non-governmental organizations and government to help survivors to access better education.
During the memorial prayers held at the massacre site on February 21, 2022, President Yoweri Museveni donated Shs30m to support the survivors of the attack, especially the widows.
The money was delivered by Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanjja, who represented the president as the chief guest.
Several beneficiaries say the money has supported them to educate their children, startup small- scale businesses.
What beneficiaries say
Silbina Akullu, a widow and a resident of Aberidwogo village, Agweng Sub-county in Lira District abandoned her home in 2004 after they were attacked by the LRA rebels.
Akullu, who has four children, said she now relies on the profits from the business she started with the cash donation from the president to take her children to school, and pay medical bills.
“After receiving the 500,000 shillings, I topped it with the Shs2m I saved. This money helps me to pay tuition for my children. I also started a small business of selling beans, simsim, maize flour in the market,” Akullu explained.
She, however, said the money is inadequate and appeals for more from the government.
Akullu explained that her first son sat for his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams in 2022, but is still at home, because she doesn’t have money to pay his tuition. She added that in 2023, her other son also sat for UCE, and he is yet to join A level because she is still struggling financially.
“The only challenge we have now is that we don’t have enough capital. Ever since we were given this money up-to-date, we haven’t received any other support, so my appeal is that if more support can be given to us, it will help us expand our businesses,” she added.
Jusphine Acen Owiny, a resident of Barlonyo B village, Agweng parish and a guardian of ten children said, she used the money she got from the President to buy oxen for ploughing, and the balance to pay children’s fees and medical bills.
“These bulls that I bought help me so much in terms of labor during garden work, because once the children have gone to school, I go to the garden alone,” Owiny said.
Moses Ogwang, the Chairperson of Barlonyo massacre victims’ site said the Shs30m has helped women groups in the area to start up life-changing activities which now supports them and people they look after.
Ogwang said out of the Shs30m delivered, each beneficiary received 500,000 shillings.
“This money was meant to support women especially widows in their businesses and now that money is changing their lives. It is our prayer that if possible, the Office of the Prime Minister adds some more,” Ogwang said.
Need for mindset change
Christine Akello, the Erute North County Woman Member of Parliament in Lira District, said several of the 60 women who got the 500,000 shillings topped it with their savings from the village saving groups to start up small-scale businesses. Akello, however, said through her interactions with several beneficiaries of the money, she learned that they lack business skills
“So we need to change the mindset of our people and go deeper to understand them because it’s not only about giving money but talking to them too,” Akello said.
Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, the State Minister for Northern Uganda, said although the physical war that involved the use of guns is over, the public should fight the mindset war in order to eradicate poverty in the region.
According to Kwiyucwiny, the infrastructure and programs such as the Parish Development Model which the government has put in place can help eradicate household poverty, if people tune their mind to work hard.
“And that is why I think the war is over. The gun has gone silent for the physical war, but the mindset war needs to be fought,” Kwiyucwiny said.
The State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugara Bahinduka, urged the beneficiaries to work hard to improve their livelihoods, rather than relying on handouts.
“The handouts from the Non-governmental organization will not help us if we do not take the responsibility to work, educate our children. We will not have this community transformed.”
Memory
Every year, Ugandans commemorate victims of the Barlonyo massacre on February 21, by praying and reflecting on the lives of the victims.
This year’s memorial, which marked 20 years since the massacre, was conducted under the theme, “Improve household income and preserve lasting memory.”
