On August 25, President Museveni of Uganda hosted the son of Joseph Kony, the fugitive Ugandan warlord notorious for leading the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). During the meeting, President Museveni expressed his commitment to improving the welfare of Kony’s family, signaling an effort towards rehabilitation and support.

President Museveni stated, “They informed me of their desire to rehabilitate and to support the rest of the family to engage in productive activities like farming. This is a very welcome idea which we shall support.”

Joseph Kony, known for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, has an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Despite this warrant, Kony has remained at large for years.

In August 2023, the Ugandan government announced its intention to grant general amnesty to around 100 former LRA rebels and their families who are returning, primarily from the Central African Republic (CAR), where Kony’s insurgents have operated.

President Museveni emphasized that the Kony family’s rehabilitation efforts could serve as an example for others, promoting positive reintegration into society. He stated, “We will help them (Kony family) to set up a commercial farm so that they work together as a company and then share the profits. All the children and the wives should be shareholders.”

The LRA, which has persisted for over three decades, remains one of Africa’s longest-surviving rebel groups, infamous for conducting deadly attacks in Uganda and neighboring countries. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, the displacement of tens of thousands, and immense suffering, particularly in Northern Uganda.

President Museveni’s commitment to supporting both the Kony family and victims of the LRA campaign underscores the government’s efforts to foster reconciliation and healing in the aftermath of a prolonged conflict. This step also aligns with broader efforts to address the consequences of war and contribute to the ongoing peace and stability in the region.