Former LRA fighters and their families undergo cultural cleansing rituals

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David Onen Acana II, the Acholi paramount chief, has issued a heartfelt plea to any Acholi individuals in exile or entangled in rebellion, urging them to unite and return to their homeland.

He reassured them that peace now reigns in their communities, providing an environment ripe for healing and reconciliation.

This significant call to return came during a cleansing ritual held for at least 26 LRA returnees at his majestic palace in Wigot, nestled in the Bardege-Layibi division, on the morning of April 24, 2025.

Cleaning ritual conducted 

The ceremonial cleansing began promptly at 11:12 AM, as the returnees, led by the esteemed Dokta Acaye, approached the entrance of the palace.

David Onen Acana II, the Acholi paramount chief. (Courtesy)

They gingerly broke an egg that had been placed there, a symbol of renewal and restoration.

The ritual referred to as “nyono tongweno” means the Egg breaking, the egg strategically between the vibrant fleshy “Popo” Stick and the traditional Layibi, a stick used for opening grain storage.

David Onen Acana II, the Acholi paramount chief greeting one of the of attendees at the event. (Courtesy)

James Ojwiya Okot, the curator presiding over the ceremony, elaborated on the significance of "nyono Tonggweno" (stepping on an egg), a cherished tradition among the Acholi that is specifically reserved for individuals who have been separated from their homeland for an extended period.

The elders believe that eggs, symbolising purity, peace, and new beginnings, harbour the essence of life, innocent yet voiceless.

Cracking the eggs is seen as a powerful act to dispel misfortune and bring about healing for those who have long been estranged from their communities.

Ojwiya shared insights into ancient traditions, explaining how "popo," the local slippery tree, was once used as a natural soap by the Acholi, signifying cleanliness and care for the body.

The “Layibi” stick, traditionally employed to open granaries, represents the welcome awaiting returnees to actively engage in food production and agricultural activities, fostering sustainability within their communities.

The cleansing ritual not only signifies a return to normalcy but also aims to expel any lingering bad spirits.

As they participated, Ojwiya guided the returnees to remove their shoes from their right feet and step delicately on the eggs, one after another.

All but one man, who identified as born again and could not partake, completed the ritual.

Rwot Acana closely observed the events, witnessing this pivotal moment in the lives of the returnees.

Once the cleansing was complete, the vibrant rhythm of the drum for the Bwola dance filled the air, heralding the returnees' acceptance as honoured guests of the chiefdom—a joyous acknowledgement of their homecoming.

(Courtesy)

The people who completed the cleansing ceremony are part of the 144 LRA ex-combatants, including women, children, and former rebel fighters, who were repatriated from the Central African Republic in July 2023.

Initially, they were taken to Migyera in Nakasongola for sensitisation. They were later transferred to Gulu City in December 2023, where they underwent rehabilitation and received vocational training to equip them with skills for their new lives.

Acaye Docta, who represented the returnees, voiced profound gratitude to the Ugandan government for enabling their repatriation and facilitating their vocational training.

He expressed appreciation for the role of religious and cultural leaders who aided their return, emphasising that many had been abducted and taken against their will.

He pledged to encourage the returnees to apply the skills acquired during their training for the betterment of their community.

Rwot Charles Onama of Ker Pajimo, one of the dedicated chiefs who journeyed to the Central African Republic to negotiate for the returnees, recounted his efforts in securing their spouses’ right to join them, alongside winning the support of their parents.

As the returnees prepare to reintegrate into the community this month, post-rehabilitation, they carry with them the promise of renewal and hope.

In a generous gesture, the Acholi chief has pledged sh5m as startup capital to assist the returnees in establishing businesses, further encouraging them to engage in savings groups to foster economic stability for themselves and their families.

Alice Akello, the head of RDC in the Northern region, who represents the government, advised that people should be good members of the community and respect their wives to avoid cases of domestic violence, which is high in the region.

Community Reintegration Efforts

The Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations (CCVS), an organisation specialising in mental health and socio-economic reintegration, has successfully integrated ten families of returnees into their respective communities. The returnees received a warm reception from family members eager for their homecoming.

Although these individuals from Gulu, Omoro, and Amuru have visited their homes, they have been temporarily relocated back to the settlement to complete their rehabilitation.

Full familial reintegration is anticipated by June 2025, with necessary tools provided to support sustainable livelihoods.

Amnesty Commission Statistics

Since its establishment, the Amnesty Commission has issued amnesty certificates to over 28,000 individuals across 30 distinct rebel factions. This includes 13,450 former members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), 6,500 from the West Nile Bank Front, 3,500 from the Uganda National Rescue Front 2, and 2,600 from the Allied Democratic Forces, alongside other groups opposing the National Resistance Army (NRA) government.

Formed under the Amnesty Act of 2000, the commission facilitates the reintegration of former combatants who surrender and renounce their previous activities. Its primary objectives are to foster peace and promote conflict-free living within Uganda, contributing to a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation.