Uganda Child Soldiers.

For 20 years a senseless war has raged in Northern Uganda, the small rebel group Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have fought the government to free the Acholi people. The LRA, small and without proper funds have no chance of ever wining, but they have caused great suffering for the Acholi, who are paradoxically the ones they claim to be fighting to free. With no popular support the LRA raid the local villages for food and to abduct the children, who they force to become their wives and soldiers.

 

Julia, 28, who spent more than 10 years with LRA. Julia and her friend were both abducted as children and have escaped as adults and mothers after beiing forced married to rebels. For women like them it is more difficult to reintegrate back into the community. Its too late to go back to school, its difficult to remarry. But a lot has been done to make the community more understanding, and traditional cleansing ceremonies make things easier for those who return.

by Anna Kari