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Ambassador's letter on Northern Uganda

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your expression of concern and support for the people of northern Uganda, who have endured a tragic, long-running insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).  Please know that I share your concerns. Alleviating suffering and brining a permanent end to the conflict is a top priority of the U.S. mission in Uganda. The U.S. Government is a partner in redevelopment of the region, and supports the on-going peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the LRA.

Since arriving in Uganda in early 2006 I have traveled frequently and extensively in the north, meeting with local officials, relief and development workers, and with those most affected by the war, including people living in crowded camps for internally displaced people. During my time in Uganda I have witnessed positive changes in northern Uganda, as the level of security has improved and the people of the north are beginning—some quickly, some more tentatively—to leave the camps and return to or closer to their home areas. 

One of the most heartening trends in the past few months has been the decision of local authorities to close most of the “night commuter” centers in Gulu, Kitgum and other towns. As security has improved, the number of night commuters has dropped significantly, and fewer shelters are needed. I recently toured a rehabilitation center for former child abductees, and was encouraged to see that the number of clients at the center was down to a very few. Driving the roads around Gulu and other parts of the north I am seeing more land returned to cultivation, more people traveling freely, more signs of economic activity and recovery.

At the moment, much hope rests on the peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the LRA., underway in Juba, Sudan.  The U.S. government strongly supports the Juba process, and we are in constant contact with those at the negotiating table, through our Embassy here in Kampala and the U.S. Consulate in Juba. We also appreciate the contributions made by mediators at the talks, including leaders from the Government of Southern Sudan and the UN Special Envoy, former President Chissano of Mozambique.

In June I traveled to Gulu for the official opening of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s northern Uganda office. The office and its staff visibly demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to move from disaster and emergency relief in northern Uganda to recovery and economic development activities.  For many years the U.S. has been the largest single contributor of humanitarian assistance in northern Uganda. In 2008 the United States government will commit more than $100 million in food aid and for water and sanitation projects, healthcare, education, agriculture and economic development programs.  In remote areas of the north, members of the U.S. military, through the Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa, are working with their colleagues in the Ugandan military on construction projects, improving roads, drilling wells, and repairing schools. The generosity of the American people is also evident in northern Uganda through the private contributions they give to support work of non-governmental organizations.

The entire U.S. government team in Uganda will continue to work with the Government of Uganda, local authorities, civil society groups, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens to secure a peaceful future in northern Uganda. I am gratified, and inspired, by the active interest of fellow American citizens who continue to reach out with compassion and concern. As conditions in northern Uganda change, hopefully continuing in the direction of peace and recovery, I believe the support of the American people will continue and will be an important contribution to the process of redevelopment. 

Thank you again for your interest and concern.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Browning
U.S. Ambassador to Uganda