Resolve Uganda - News and Events

Weekly Roundup August 21-27: As Obama weighs Sudan strategy, LRA attacks on the rise in South Sudan and DR Congo

paul — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:00:43 -0700

With South Sudan's independence referendum fast approaching and levels of violence intensifying in Darfur, DC is buzzing with reports that President Obama is working on a new strategy for US policy towards Sudan. Beneath the buzz, however, are reports that LRA attacks in South Sudan are increasing again and that links between the rebel group and the Sudanese government in Khartoum are growing stronger. Though the LRA poses a clear threat to innocent civilians and South Sudan's stability ahead of the upcoming referendum, the President's envoy for Sudan has been reluctant to respond to this threat. In the coming days, we hope that President Obama will ensure his Sudan strategy includes concrete steps to protect civilians under threat of LRA raids and prevent the Sudanese government from rearming or resupplying the rebel group.

The Good: Radio broadcasters from DR Congo, Central African Republic (CAR), and South Sudan were trained this week to expand radio programs encouraging LRA fighters to surrender.

The Bad: The UN set up a new camp in northeastern DR Congo to house a surge of over 1,500 refugees fleeing LRA attacks in CAR.

The Ugly: LRA attacks in South Sudan are on the increase, and "not a week goes by without us receiving a message they have attacked a village," according to local officials.

Regional Security

The rise in LRA attacks in South Sudan may be timed to take advantage of the current harvest season, as LRA rebels are targeting farming villages and stealing crops. Local self-defense groups have been unable to deter all rebel attacks and many welcome the prospect of US support: "Those Americans have strength and technology, so they can use that to catch Kony... Our arrows are no use against [the LRA's] guns," said one member.

A local civil society organization in DR Congo says that abductions and killings are on the rise by Ugandan rebel groups operating in the northeast of the country, including the LRA and the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU).

Northern Uganda and the 2011 National Elections

Women with disabilities in northern Uganda face severe discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, lack access to basic services both in and out of displacement camps, and have been largely excluded from postconflict reconstruction efforts. "As Ugandans in the north struggle to reclaim their lives, the government and humanitarian agencies need to make sure that women with disabilities are not left out," says a Human Rights Watch report released this week.

A Ugandan military commander vehemently denied government and UN allegations that the Ugandan army killed innocent civilians in operations in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda.

This week a Ugandan court declared a law banning sedition unconstitutional. The ruling opened up more political space for free speech and press in the run-up to next year's Presidential elections. The government recently issued an arrest warrant for Ugandan opposition leader Olara Otunnu on charges of sedition for his harsh criticism of current President Yoweri Museveni, but this was later recanted amid the controversy over the law.

The joint campaigns for a Parliamentary seat for Amuru district in northern Uganda have been temporarily suspended following violent riots. One of the candidates for this seat is Betty Bigombe, formerly a chief mediator of peace talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government, who is running under the majority NRM party.

International Community

A coalition of 68 organizations sent a letter to President Obama urging him to incorporate both incentives and pressures as he develops US strategy on Sudan in advance of the referendum elections on Southern independence.

The US appointed Ambassador Princeton Lyman as the head of a team being dispatched to Sudan to support negotiations on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Ambassador Lyman's appointment is part of a surge of diplomatic capacity on Sudan ahead of the referendum.

Weekly Roundup August 14-20: LRA attacks "completely paralyze the breadbasket of Southern Sudan"

paul — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:09:46 -0700

The day that President Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Recovery Act, he said in the first-ever Presidential statement on the LRA, "The Bill reiterates U.S. policy and our commitment to work toward a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict... We will do so in partnership with regional governments and multilateral efforts." This week, senior officials from the Congolese and Central African Republic (CAR) governments called on Obama to fulfill this promise and help them protect civilians from LRA attacks and help bring LRA leaders to justice. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we launch new campaigns to ensure that the President works with regional leaders, as well as the international community, to permanently stop LRA violence.

And now, on to this week's news:

The Good: The defense minister of CAR pledged to arrest LRA leader Joseph Kony, with the help of Uganda, France and the US.

The Bad: LRA attacks have managed to "completely paralyze the breadbasket of Southern Sudan," undermining food security for people throughout the region.

The Ugly: The UN reports that 25,000 have been displaced by LRA attacks in South Sudan this year.

Regional Security

In a recent LRA attack on the village of Linamama in eastern DR Congo, the rebels looted the town and abducted six civilians. The Congolese army was able to rescue four of them, but two 2-year-old boys remain in rebel captivity. Most of the villagers fled to a neighboring town, fearing further attacks.

In an LRA ambush on a military patrol in Bitmima, eastern DR Congo, late last month one Congolese soldier was killed and two were wounded, according to a local NGO.

A coalition of Acholi religious leaders from northern Uganda visiting South Sudan called on regional governments to seek a peaceful end to the LRA conflict, and urged the South Sudanese government to push for renewed peace talks between the rebels and the Ugandan government.

Situation in Northern Uganda

A Ugandan court this week suspended the arrest warrant for Ugandan opposition leader Olara Otunnu, accused of sedition and promoting sectarianism after criticizing current President Yoweri Museveni's human rights record.

The Ugandan military and police promised last week to disarm civilians in northern Uganda after a 24-year old man was shot in Gulu district. A military spokesperson said that the person allegedly responsible for the shooting was given a gun by the Ugandan government in 2005 when the LRA was active in northern Uganda. The Ugandan military gave guns to civilian militias during the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda to protect villages from attacks, a move which sparked severe LRA reprisals against communities.

A UN report shows that nearly 90% of northern Ugandans internally displaced during the LRA insurgency are no longer living in displacement camps. However, violent land disputes and the danger of landmines impede the return to their home villages in some areas.

International Community

The Information Minister of DR Congo said that more intelligence support was needed in order to defeat the LRA and capture Kony. He also welcomed the enactment of the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, saying "We welcome this move positively because we needed really to be assisted... as not only Congo [is] under threat by those people [the LRA] but also Uganda, CAR, and southern Sudan."

The Prime Minister of the UK, David Cameron, wrote a letter in response to Juliet, a former LRA child soldier who visited the UK with the NGO War Child International and delivered a letter to him on behalf of fellow war-affected children. Cameron wrote "We continue to urge countries in the region and local UN Peacekeeping Operations to provide better protection for civilians…. [and] support every effort to bring Joseph Kony and other LRA leaders to justice, and to bring their campaign of violence to an end once and for all."

Weekly Roundup August 7-13: New reports highlight LRA violence targeting civilians in remote corners of DR Congo, CAR

paul — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:02:08 -0700

This week Human Rights Watch and the Enough project released reports documenting LRA violence against civilians in isolated corners of DR Congo and the Central African Republic (CAR). These reports contain sobering evidence that the LRA is expanding its capacity to cause terror in central Africa by intentionally driving civilians from their homes and training abducted children to fight. "There has been very little reporting of the LRA's numerous abuses in the region because it is so remote and communications are so poor," writes Human Rights Watch in their new report. While the emergence of this new information is an important step towards greater international attention to the issue, it will not be enough to put a stop to the violence. We must use this information to renew our commitment to peace, and keep the pressure on our leaders to come up with a comprehensive strategy to deal with LRA violence, protect civilians, and help communities to recover.

The Good: Reports released this week by Human Rights Watch and the Enough Project document LRA abuses in remote areas in Congo and CAR, shedding light on LRA atrocities that so far have escaped international attention.

The Bad: Rebel violence has deeply permeated the lives of the people of the Central African Public (CAR); a new study shows that more than 75% have witnessed or experienced traumatic violence.

The Ugly: UN reports indicate that 36 households have been displaced from Faradje in eastern DR Congo since late July alone, fleeing LRA attacks aimed at acquiring new abductees and supplies.

Regional Security

"The protection of civilians under LRA attack across central Africa is woefully inadequate, with some communities receiving no protection or humanitarian aid at all. National governments, the Ugandan army, and the UN need to take urgent steps to protect people from these LRA attacks," said a Human Rights Watch researcher. Over the past 18 months, 700 people have been abducted, almost a third of whom are children. Listen here for more information.

The death rate in CAR is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, some 4 times higher than the average. Although much of the high death rate is directly due to the conflict, an even greater fraction is due to the indirect impacts of war: displacement, lack of healthcare and education, and deterioration of social services.

An Enough Project report released this week details further attacks in the Bas Uele district of northeastern DR Congo, and indicates that the LRA has begun cultivating land taken from displaced civilians in DRC.

Nearly 90,000 people have been displaced from their homes in eastern DR Congo and dozens killed or injured in attacks by the Congo-based Ugandan rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU).

Situation in Northern Uganda

Land disputes continue in northern Uganda, especially in Amuru district, as people displaced during the LRA insurgency return to their villages. Some have called for traditional leaders to step in and help resolve disputes to quell the violence.

The Ugandan police arrested and allegedly beat several activists from the National Association for Free and Fair Elections (NAFFE), an organization advocating for reform of Uganda's Electoral Commission in advance of next year's national elections.

International Community

CAR's Foreign Minister has appealed to the UN Security Council for help in dealing with rebel violence in the country, particularly in light of the country's upcoming elections, as the Council contemplates the withdrawal of nearly 300 peacekeeping troops from the northeastern corner of the country.

A coalition of multilateral donors, including European nations and the World Bank, have announced at least a 10% cut in budget aid to Uganda due to concerns that the government is not adequately addressing issues of corruption.

Note: Resolve Uganda is hiring! If you are interested in joining our team as the Director of Communications, send us your resume! Check out the full details here.

New reports highlight continuing LRA violence in the Central African Republic and DR Congo

kenneth — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:50:39 -0700

Our partners at Human Rights Watch and the Enough Project each released publications this week highlighting the severely under-reported LRA violence in areas of the DR Congo and Central African Republic, along with analysis of new revelations relating to the tactics used by Joseph Kony to survive and replenish his forces. Enough’s report, ‘This is our land now’: Lord’s Resistance Army attacks in Bas-Uele, Northeastern Congo focuses on the LRA safe haven being carved out of the Bas-Uele district in DRC. The Human Rights Watch press notice, LRA Conducts Massive Abduction Campaign, focuses more on Kony’s ongoing forced-recruitment drive as the LRA seeks to rebuild its ranks in the face of the Ugandan military operations against the rebel group.

Ever since the LRA crossed into remote parts of northeastern Congo and southeastern CAR, very little information about their activities and impact on local populations has reached the rest of the world. As you remember, our own Paul Ronan made the trek to both regions earlier this year, but the two reports released this week include significant new information.

We have taken some key points from both publications to share below. The unsurprising bottom line: the situation is bad, and international leadership is urgently needed to help protect vulnerable communities. We recommend that the briefs also be read in their entirety, as each provides a timely snapshot of the dynamics on the ground and a vivid account of the realities being experienced by communities in the region.

Here are a few takeaways:

Calculated recruitment campaign: Joseph Kony has ordered his commanders to engage in a deliberate, calculated campaign to increase the ranks of the LRA through mass abductions. As a result of these orders, in the past 18 months the LRA has abducted almost 700 civilians in Central African Republic and the Bas-Uele district in northeastern DRC alone.

Save haven in the Bas-Uele district of DRC: In an effort similar to the settlement of Garamba National Forest in 2005, cells of the LRA now seem to be clearing areas of Bas-Uele to use as a semi-permanent base of operations, and even growing crops in areas where previous residents were forced to flee by LRA attacks. The taking of the Bas-Uele district was likely a tactical consideration meant to secure cross-border routes for LRA fighters between northeastern DRC and southeastern CAR.

Troop movements are the result of detailed, strategic decision-making: Kony deliberately spread troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Smart across northern Congo to spread pursuing Ugandan forces thin, reducing the chances that the Ugandans will capture any top commanders. Both publications mention the possibility that Kony could move some LRA forces back toward northern Uganda in the long run if the group is able to continue replenishing its ranks.

Brutality and viciousness of abductees’ training further documented: Numerous eyewitness accounts were recorded that describe the training tactics used by commanders to indoctrinate and dehumanize abductees. The HRW brief documents how “Military training begins within months of captivity. Many children as young as 10 or 11, abducted in Congo, CAR, and Southern Sudan in 2008 and 2009, are now armed with guns and participate in LRA attacks. LRA combatants use mind control methods to get children to forget their lives back home and to view other human beings as animals.”

Mass displacement of Congolese civilians: Over 50,000 Congolese have been displaced in the Bas-Uele district alone, including 5,000 refugees who have fled into southern CAR.

UN and regional governments are continuing to fail in providing civilian protection: By all accounts, the Bas-Uele district is effectively ungoverned. The UN has withdrawn all peacekeepers from the district, having determined that LRA attacks there are not a high enough priority. Small deployments of DRC’s own military force have not only been unsuccessful in stemming the tide of LRA attacks but are also actively terrorizing the local population through extortion, tax fraud, and dozens of reported cases of rape.

Crucial window of opportunity: Both publications cited the landmark LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act as a powerful tool in leveraging increased US engagement for peace, and each hope for robust implementation by the Obama Administration after the comprehensive strategy required by the bill is released this coming fall.

Resolve is Hiring: Director of Communications

michael — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:18:36 -0700

After three years of "three's company," we're very excited to be seeking a fourth Resolve Uganda team-member in the form of a Director of Communications.

We're getting ready to launch a brand new website and campaigns focused on the implementation of the recently-passed LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, and this person's role will be critical. Our current Director of Communications, all-star Lisa Dougan, will be shifting into the newly created Field Director position. Details below!

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Resolve Uganda is Hiring a Director of Communications

Background:

Founded in 2007, Resolve Uganda is a Washington-DC based advocacy organization aimed at ending ongoing atrocities committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army and supporting efforts toward sustainable peace and recovery for affected communities across central Africa. We seek a Director of Communications to help develop and oversee communications strategies for our integrated web, social media, advocacy, and email campaigns that facilitate online and offline action to promote our policy goals, broaden our support base, and spur online donations.

Organizational Values:

As a small organization, our staff enjoys a work environment built on positive relationships and a team-oriented approach. Our staff members also share a deep personal commitment to the mission, and as such engage the work in a manner that is highly motivated and focused on achieving results.

Responsibilities:

* Work collaboratively with the Executive Team to craft online advocacy, fundraising, and outreach strategy and campaigns;

* Develop and produce web content and regular blog entries;

* Manage and draft mass e-mail communications that promote advocacy and fundraising campaigns and cultivate existing donors;

* Conduct outreach to and develop working relationships with members of the press, bloggers, and other traditional and non-traditional media outlets;

* Build the organization’s social media presence;

* Monitor and evaluate the organization’s branding, online engagement efforts, and list growth;

* Manage one to two communications interns and/or junior staff members who assist in daily tasks

Desired Qualifications:

* Strong commitment to the organization’s mission, with prior knowledge of specific issue of focus a strong preference;

* Ablility to work collaboratively and in an intensive team-oriented environment;

* Self-motivated and entrepreneurial;

* Four-year college degree;

* Two to five years of prior communications experience, relating to online communications, list growth, media relations, policy or electoral campaigns, effective branding, and/or social media;

* Ability to develop and implement multi-faceted communications strategies;

* Exceptional communication skills, especially strong writing and editing skills;

* Experience in influencing the U.S. Congress, U.S. Government, and political system;

* Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and ability to handle multiple projects;

* Knowledge of French a plus

Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include full health coverage, including vision and dental, and generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave.

To apply, send an email that includes a cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@resolveuganda.org with subject line “Director of Communications”. Candidates who apply before August 29th will be informed by the following week if a full interview is requested, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.

Weekly Roundup July 24-August 6: LRA attacks continue in South Sudan

paul — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:13:18 -0700

Even as the Ugandan government and military spoke this week of major achievements in their ongoing operations against LRA fighters, rebel attacks continued across the region, including a fresh spate of strikes against civilians in South Sudan that sent hundreds fleeing from their homes. Though more than 700 abductees have reportedly been rescued since the start of ongoing military operations, close to 2,000 people -- including hundreds of children -- have been abducted, raising serious questions about the viability of current regional efforts.

These facts highlight the need for continued pressure on the Obama Administration to launch a renewed strategy to help protect civilians from LRA violence. Here at Resolve we are gearing up to launch a new website and an exciting new campaign to do just that, so stay tuned.

And now, on to this week's news:

The Good: The Ugandan army reports that it has rescued 707 abductees from the LRA's ranks since December 2008.

The Bad: In an ambush in South Sudan last week, the LRA attacked a truck, killing the driver and wounding four others.

The Ugly: Hundreds of people have fled their homes following a fresh spate of LRA attacks in Sudan's Western Equatoria State.

Regional Security

A Ugandan military official said that nearly 400 LRA fighters have been killed, and almost 200 more have been captured or surrendered in the past year during the army's operations against the rebels.

In South Sudan's Western Equatoria region, local self-defense militias known as the Arrow Boys have formed to try to protect villagers from LRA attacks. "We are praying [to] God that the world can look into our problem and see what they can do for us," said one resident. Listen here for more on the Arrow Boys.

Situation in Northern Uganda

An arrest warrant was issued for Ugandan opposition leader Olara Otunnu following his harsh criticisms of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's human rights record and his accusations that the President has been contributing to problems in the North; the warrants raise concern that political space will close in the lead-up to the country's upcoming national elections.

A group of civil society leaders in Gulu, northern Uganda reiterated calls for justice for victims of LRA violence and also called for surrounding countries to focus on civilian protection and provide greater opportunities for LRA fighters to surrender.

The UK announced last week that it will give approximately $26 million to support postconflict development projects in northern Uganda. This grant is part of a 5-year plan to help the North recover from the impacts of the war.

International Community

US Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) released a statement this week highlighting the importance of free and fair elections in Uganda, urging the Ugandan government to take steps to build public trust in the election process and the country's democratic institutions.

The US Congress recently passed an act requiring that US companies disclose the sources of their minerals to try to reduce the trade in conflict minerals which is fueling violence in the Kivus region of eastern DR Congo.

In this vein, 14 Members of the British Parliament signed a motion urging the UK government to enact similar legislation, mandating the disclosure of revenue payments by oil, gas, and mining companies, recognizing that corruption in the trade of natural resources has had devastating impacts on the populations of African countries such as DR Congo.

Weekly Roundup July 17-23: Four years after last LRA attack, basic services still missing in northern Uganda

paul — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:09:33 -0700

Two months ago when President Obama signed the historic Lord's Resistance Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, he committed not only to take action to stop LRA violence in central Africa, but also to help communities affected by the violence to recover and rebuild their lives. This is a commitment we intend to hold him accountable to. Unfortunately, the most recent reports from northern Uganda demonstrate that the Ugandan government, the US government, and other international partners have much work to do to keep this promise to war-affected communities in northern Uganda. In the midst of our continued advocacy efforts though, it's good to know that there is a hope for a brighter future for people who have suffered during this conflict. Click here to listen to an inspiring interview with 20-year-old Juliet, a former child soldier from Uganda who is now a prominent student leader in her community. She recently met with a British Member of Parliament and delivered a letter to the Prime Minister on behalf of fellow war-affected children.

Now on to the news for this week:

The Good: Over two-thirds of the 121 official displaced persons camps in northern Uganda have now been closed as people continue to return to their homes.

The Bad: A recent UN study reports that a lack of basic social services such as clean water, education and healthcare "continues to be a fundamental concern in northern Uganda."

The Ugly: The UN study highlights that without basic services northern Ugandans will miss out on a "concrete peace dividend without which an effective transition from conflict to recovery and development is impossible."

Regional Security

LRA attacks have been intensifying for the past three weeks in DR Congo. The rebels raided several villages in the territories of Dungu and Faradje in the northeast of the country, looting houses, abducting a number of youth, and killing as many as 7 people in the past week.

The South Sudanese army has warned that LRA attacks are imminent in the area, and that LRA forces are regrouping in the Central African Republic and plan to attack two western states in South Sudan.

Uganda's defense minister announced that there are no specific provisions for operations against the LRA in Uganda's defense budget over the next fiscal year, which began July 1. The defense minister said, "It is our expectation that partners in the war against the LRA will be more supportive to the Joint Task Force efforts."

The UN announced this week that 60,000 people have been displaced in DR Congo near the border with Uganda due to fighting between the Congolese army and the Ugandan rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF/NALU). Civil society leaders expressed concerns about the dire threat to the civilian population posed by the ongoing operations.

Situation in Northern Uganda

A new UN report says that the Ugandan government has failed to adequately address "critical gaps" in human resources capacity to deliver basic social services in war-affected areas of northern Uganda. Extremely vulnerable people and people with special needs, a vast majority of whom are women, face especially severe challenges in accessing services and returning to their homes.

Responding to concerns of Ugandan political opposition groups, the Military Commission chair stated that rumors that the Commission would interfere with or try to influence the outcome of the national election were "ill-intentioned, misleading and meant to create distrust between the people and the Military Commission."

International Community

The UN's top official for refugees is visiting central Africa this week to draw attention to the plight of displaced people in Congo, and the importance of ensuring access to humanitarian aid. As of late May, there were about 350,000 people displaced in LRA-affected areas of DR Congo.

A British Member of Parliament, David Chidgey, wrote an op-ed this week highlighting the importance of free and fair elections as a crucial element of development in East Africa, including Uganda which will be holding national elections next year.

Finally, we at Resolve Uganda are deeply saddened by the loss of yet another dear friend and fellow advocate for peace in Central Africa, Chris Baillie. Chris was a humble, generous, and adventurous young man who worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the conflict--attending multiple lobbying events and standing strong for 11 days at the Oklahoma Hold-Out. His genuine kindness and extraordinary selflessness touched many lives and he will be sorely missed. We hope that his life will continue to inspire all of us to live more fully and keep fighting for the cause he believed in.

Goodbye to our friend Chris Baillie, another fallen peacemaker.

Lisa — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:16:24 -0700

In light of the past week's events, this blog post is more personal than usual. Thank you for understanding.

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So soon after the passing of our dear friend and fellow activist, Nate Henn, our Resolve family painfully says goodbye to yet another fallen peacemaker and beloved friend, Chris Baillie. On Sunday, Chris tragically fell to his death while hiking with four friends in the mountains of New Hampshire. Chris was a committed advocate for peace in central Africa, and a remarkable person, who had become a good friend of our Resolve family over the last several months.

After learning about the crisis in central Africa a few years ago through one of his favorite bands, Chris wasted no time spreading the word, raising money, and participating in as many awareness and advocacy events as he could. He was a wanderer by nature, and as he regularly backpacked across the country, Chris made use of every opportunity to tell others about this injustice a world away that had captured his heart, and invite them to join him in the effort for peace.

This past February, my colleague Kenneth Transier and I had the honor of sleeping on the concrete of downtown Oklahoma City for eleven nights next to Chris and dozens of other activists. This Oklahoma Hold-Out was part of an effort to convince Oklahoma Senator, Tom Coburn, to remove a block he had placed on the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, legislation that activists like Chris had been lobbying for since May of 2009.

Just in time, Chris got word of the Hold-Out while working as a skydiving instructor in Arizona. Without hesitation he packed up his life and trekked to Oklahoma City to join us for the entire 11 days.

Being incredibly resourceful, and with his experience as an avid outdoors-man, Chris quickly earned the nickname McGyver from our motley-crew family of activists that had formed on the concrete outside Senator Coburn's office. Always concerned with our safety and health, Chris gave us nightly training sessions on frost-bite prevention or how to maintain maximum body heat while sleeping in sub-freezing temperatures. And though he owned very little, he freely gave away his own possessions to make sure that others were warm, comfortable, and cared for. As much as he could be described as an adventurer, nature-lover, and outdoors-man, the strongest impression Chris left on those who met him was how he loved with every last drop of himself.

He was a man who lived intentionally and who savored every breath. I wouldn't doubt that being a cancer survivor at age 24 had something to do with that. He didn't ever seem to make choices out of fear, but out of love, freedom, and out of a desire to tackle head-on those things in this world that ought not to be.

Chris' life---and the legacy he hands over to us in his death---have been marked by outrageous generosity, fierce love, and a steadfast hope.
You don't need to have known Chris to be an extension of that legacy.

I am honored to have crossed paths with Chris Baillie, and I feel challenged by the example of his life. It is a challenge to truly live. Not to be driven by fear, but by love and a desire for justice where there is injustice; healing and hope where there is brokenness.

When all is said and done----and if we have the privilege of time to reflect on our lives before they end----I highly doubt we will regret the stuff we didn't buy or the nights we didn't stay late at the office or the times our lawns were left un-manicured. We will regret the love we didn't share. And keeping that in mind, I'm confident that Chris, and Nate, left this world with no regrets.

So go, and love fiercely.

We miss you, Baillie.
-Lisa

Weekly Roundup July 10-16: World Cup bombings kill over seventy people in Kampala

paul — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:40:05 -0700

As you know, earlier this week several bombs exploded in Kampala, killing over seventy people gathered to watch the World Cup finale. My colleagues and I at Resolve Uganda have been deeply shocked and saddened at the news of this attack on the city, country and people who have welcomed us with open arms so many times. We express our condolences to the families and friends of all those who have passed away, and have been personally touched by the loss of Nate Henn, a dear friend and selfless advocate for lasting peace in central Africa. We will always remember how wholeheartedly Nate pursued this goal, and his life is an inspiration for us to do the same.

The Good: Four young girls abducted by the LRA were recently freed by the Congolese army in Dungu, DR Congo, due in part to the advocacy work of the UN and civil society groups.

The Bad: Due to insecurity caused by LRA attacks, the UN World Food Programme announced that it is unable to deliver emergency food assistance to most of the people displaced by the LRA in DR Congo except through air drops.

The Ugly: Four people were killed and seven abducted in an LRA attack in the village of Mandabazouma in the Central African Republic (CAR) earlier this month.

Regional Security

UN humanitarian officials released a report stating that thousands of people displaced by LRA attacks in southeast CAR are unable to access their land and will remain dependent on international aid "until the LRA threat is clearly addressed."

Humanitarian agencies have been forced to suspend aid to 3,500 households in the Bas-Uélé District in northeastern DR Congo as of June 11 because of LRA activity in the area.

The Congolese army clashed with the Congo-based Ugandan rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU) in the oil-rich eastern region of the country, driving 40,000 civilians from their homes. Civil society groups have urged the Congolese military to improve civilian protection efforts as they conduct this operation.

Situation in Northern Uganda

Bombings in Kampala, Uganda that killed over seventy people on Sunday sent shockwaves throughout the country. Al-Shabab militants in Somalia, where Uganda has thousands of soldiers stationed as part of an African Union peacekeeping force, have allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

A new map released by the UN vividly demonstrates that even years after the LRA left northern Uganda, a large fraction of the population has limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and clean water.

Civil society, the media, and Members of Parliament are increasing pressure on the Ugandan government to release documents concerning contracts with foreign oil companies in order to ensure that these are transparent and fair.

International Community

US leaders, including President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, Senator Feingold, and Senator Inhofe, have condemned the terrorist bombings in Kampala and pledged US support to Uganda in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

At a discussion this week on the future of South Sudan, US Special Envoy to Sudan Maj. Gen. Scott Gration continued a pattern of decrying LRA violence there while failing to say what steps the Obama Administration is taking to stop LRA attacks and ensure the rebel group does not interfere with South Sudan's 2011 referendum on independence.

CAR's Foreign Minister this week called upon the US to help the CAR government put a stop to LRA violence against civilians in the country's remote southeast corner. "We hope that the United States of America can contribute to the efforts of the Central African armed forces, backed by the Ugandan forces, with the aim of neutralising the LRA," he said.

A British Member of Parliament called for greater international efforts to end the LRA's reign of terror, saying that "There has been a pathetic lack of co-ordinated, sustained interest and action by the security forces of the regional government, by UN peacekeepers and by the international community, to stop the LRA," adding that "We clearly need a much more coherent military campaign to hunt down the LRA leaders and bring them to justice."

In honor of Nate "Oteka" Henn: A peacemaker and true hero

Lisa — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:27:00 -0700

Our hearts ache today as we join our friends at Invisible Children in mourning the death of Nate "Otek" Henn, killed yesterday in the terrorist bombings in Kampala, Uganda.

A friend and co-laborer for lasting peace in central Africa, Nate lost his life yesterday in the very country that has claimed his heart for years.

It was an honor to know Nate and to have been blessed by his joy and strength of character. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to Nate's family and friends, as well as all of the victims of yesterday's senseless violence.

Below is a blog post from Invisible Children, celebrating Nate's life and invaluable efforts for lasting peace in central Africa.

Nate, you will be deeply missed.

In loving memory of Nate “Oteka” Henn

It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you that one of our dear friends has been lost in the terrorist attack earlier today in Kampala. Nate “Oteka” Henn was killed by an explosion that ripped through a rugby field where hundreds of people had gathered to watch the final match of the World Cup.

Nate worked with us at Invisible Children for a year and a half and leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and service. From traveling the United States without pay advocating for the freedom of abducted child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s war, to raising thousands of dollars to put war-affected Ugandan students in school, Nate lived a life that demanded explanation. He sacrificed his comfort to live in the humble service of God and of a better world, and his is a life to be emulated.

Nate was determined to go to Uganda and see the homeland of the friends he had made on tour. His love for the Ugandan students he had worked with is exemplified by the deep friendships he forged with them. He was not serving some idea of down-trodden Africa. He was serving Innocent, Tony, Boni, Ronald, Papito, Sunday and Lilian. These are some of our Ugandan students who fell in love with Nate’s wit, strength, character and steadfast friendship. They gave him the Acholi name “Oteka”, which means “The Strong One.” Some of them were with him at the time of the attack.

Nate was not a glory-seeker and never sought the spotlight. He asked not to be made a hero of.

But the life he lived inspires reflection and imitation.

In a facebook status update he made just before his trip to Uganda, he wrote, “thank you for helping me achieve my dream of getting to Uganda” and while there he wrote home about being in the best days of his life and loving his time with his Ugandan friends.

Nate’s life ended while living out this dream, a selfless dream of putting others first, seeking peace, and living a life of integrity. He will be forever missed, forever remembered, and his legacy will live on in our love and deeds.

For more information and news about the terrible attack, click here for the New York Times article.

Sincerely,
the Invisible Children family.