WATOTO`s Statement on Kony2012 Campaign

WATOTO’S STATEMENT ON KONY2012 CAMPAIGN


Kampala, Uganda, 12th March 2012 – On Monday 5th March 2012, a documentary

highlighting the atrocities committed at the hand of rebel leader Joseph Kony and his

Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) was released. The conflict highlighted in this documentary has devastated northern Uganda for decades.

In the past six years, the situation has changed. Children are no longer being

abducted in Uganda. Peace and stability has returned, and Gulu is now the second

fastest growing community in Uganda. The community is generally focused on

restoration and transformation for a better nation.

Kony continues to operate in the Congo and Central African Republic.

At Watoto, we believe that the church is the only real solution to true individual and

community transformation.

Watoto is dedicated to the plight of the former child soldier and the war-torn

community of northern Ugandan every day. Watoto is actively involved in bringing

healing and life to all those affected by this senseless civil war.

About Watoto’s Project Gulu

Watoto provides trauma rehabilitation to former child soldiers and the war-effected

community of northern Uganda at large. Medical intervention is given including

access to HIV medication and treatment.

Watoto has also built a children’s village so that orphaned and vulnerable children

can grow up in a loving, family environment. Baby Watoto Gulu was established to

care for orphaned and vulnerable infants.

Watoto also provides education, specifically vocational and technical, for the many

young adults who have missed the opportunity of receiving an education.

Through Watoto’s Living Hope initiative, vulnerable women, most of whom are HIV+

and returnees from abduction by the rebel army, are empowered and restored to a

place where they have dignity, value and worth. Under Living Hope, Watoto also

provides opportunities for reconstructive surgery to mutilated women.

In addition, Watoto is committed to working alongside the local government to make

northern Uganda livable again. Architectural plans have been developed to transform

the cityscape in the hopes that change in community will be sustainable.

More detailed information about Watoto and Project Gulu is available at

www.watoto.com/projectgulu.

- ends –

The KONY 2012 Video Campaign: Inappropriate and Misleading!

People have asked what my opinion is regarding KONY2012 Campaign and here is my opinion and stand: For the last two decades, Kony with the help of other perpetrators caused so much suffering to the people of Northern Uganda. Together they stole a whole generation, distabilized and destroyed the Acholi social morals and way of life. The situation caused by Kony needed to be exposed and responded to over six (6) years ago at the time when this war was on and the people cried day and night for help. The KONY2012 Video protrays the circumstance as current which is totally misleading and inappropriate. The Kony War in Northern Uganda stopped six (6) years ago and what the KONY 2012 Campaign should be preaching in regards to Northern Uganda right now is who Kony is, the level of damages he caused over (6) years ago, and what people need right now especially to rebuild themselves. The message should have looked into the rehabilitation of Northern Uganda (Schools, Health services, psycho-social support and other sustainable community managed projects). Kony left Uganda six years ago and is in Central Africa and the video should have focussed more on Central Africa, damages caused there, the need for Kony to be stopped and brought to Justice. And if the Invisible Children really wants to see a better future for the children of northern Uganda, then their Campaign should call for the rehabilitation of social services. I am interested in knowing what Mr. Norbert Mao think about his video taken in an interview over Six (6) years ago which has been used in the KONY2012 Video. I have supported Invisible Children before and can still support them but only if their work is based on facts, timely and for the good of those affected, otherwise, i am disappointed right now with the KONY 2012. I have seen first-hand the suffering of the people of Northern Uganda while working with the victims of the war and for anyone to use their circumstances to their advantage is so low, that sounds a bit strong (Yes, i know) but it is because i have a right to be right now; as a person who has witnessed what the situation was, what the reality still is and what people really need.

Mercy Akongo (2008):With Orphans of war in Oyam District, Northern Uganda.

 The people of Northern Uganda needs help to start and stand life again and anyone wishing them well should advocate for this. Invisible Children, the children of Northern Uganda needs education, health services, a home to live, food and clean water; please advocate for this because it is the most important ones right now. Thank you.