Lira, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, has called on former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees to remain connected to their clans to receive the necessary social support and guidance required for successful reintegration.
The cultural leader made the appeal on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the Lango Former LRA Captives and Returnees Association (LALFRA) at his residence in Senior Quarters, Lira City.
The returnees were drawn from Kole, Lira, Alebtong, Oyam, and Apac districts.
Dr. Odongo Okune emphasized the importance of clan structures in supporting returnees, particularly in resolving land disputes.
He said many of the challenges faced by returnees, such as land encroachment, could be effectively addressed with the involvement of clan leaders.
He added that these traditional systems should be empowered to play a more active role in ensuring the rights of returnees are protected.
He further encouraged the returnees to form organized groups, explaining that this would enable them to more easily benefit from government interventions like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
His remarks come at a time when returnees continue to express frustration over limited government support.
Many of them still struggle to rebuild their lives after years spent in captivity.
Ogeny Abel, the coordinator of LALFRA and a councilor for Akalo Town Council, noted that despite numerous efforts to seek help, the returnees have received little assistance.
He said many of them are still battling trauma, poverty, and stigma, with minimal support from relevant authorities.
Similarly, Akello Scovia, a returnee from Agweng Sub-county in Lira District, expressed the need for government programs that specifically address the challenges faced by former abductees.
She pointed out that they continue to live in difficult conditions and require access to psychosocial support, land, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Lango sub-region, which was among the areas most affected by the LRA insurgency, remains home to hundreds of former captives.
Many of them continue to face major reintegration challenges due to the absence of structured and long-term support mechanisms.
