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Ambassador's letter on Northern Uganda

Ambassador Steven A. Browning

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).  As you are likely aware, Uganda cooperated with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and southern Sudan to initiate regional military action against Joseph Kony and the LRA on December 14, 2008.  We know many of you are concerned about the impact of this action on northern Ugandans, and also on innocent civilians in the DRC and southern Sudan.

The Government of Uganda and its neighbors determined that a regional military operation was necessary to deal with the security threat posed by the LRA, particularly after LRA leader Joseph Kony's repeated failures to sign the Final Peace Agreement and continued attacks on civilians in the DRC and southern Sudan.  The United States Government fully supports the joint efforts of Uganda, the DRC, southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR) to counter the LRA threat.  For 23 years, Kony and the LRA have terrorized civilians in these countries.  They have caused the deaths of over 65,000 people, the displacement of more than 1.8 million people, and the abduction of more than 22,000 children.  Today, the LRA continues to pose a threat to regional stability, and the internal stability of Uganda, the DRC and southern Sudan.  We hope that regional cooperation can put an end to the cycle of violence and instability that the LRA has wrought. 

The U.S. Mission in Uganda's top priorities are ending the LRA conflict and helping northern Ugandans to return to peaceful, productive lives.  The U.S. Government team in Uganda supports regional cooperative efforts to contain the ongoing threat of the LRA.  At the same time, we continue to work with the Government of Uganda, local authorities, civil society groups, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens to secure peace and stability in northern Uganda.  Since arriving here in early 2006, I have traveled frequently and extensively in the north, meeting with local officials, relief and development workers, and those most affected by the war, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in crowded camps.  I have seen the terrible effects of the LRA's brutal activities, but I have also seen the level of security in northern Uganda improve significantly over the past several years. 

Thankfully, improved security has brought positive change.  "Night commuter" centers have closed, and northern Ugandans have been able to leave IDP camps and return to - or close to - their home areas.  Food aid and emergency relief have decreased, and people have rebuilt homes and opened new land for cultivation.  Such changes have shifted the focus in northern Uganda from transition to development.  As a partner in the region's development, the U.S. Government strives to help northern Ugandans establish a stable environment with access to basic services and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has operated an office in Gulu since June 2006, demonstrating the U.S. Government's commitment to move from disaster and emergency relief to recovery and economic development in the north.  For many years, the U.S. has been the largest contributor of humanitarian and now development assistance in northern Uganda.  In 2008, we provided $163 million to open roads, deliver services to treat and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, rebuild the agriculture sector, increase access to clean water, improve education, and build the capacity of local government.  We will be making investments of a similar magnitude in 2009 and beyond.

The private contributions of American citizens to non-governmental organizations working in northern Uganda also demonstrate the caring and generous spirit of the American people.  I am gratified and inspired by the active interest of fellow Americans who reach out with compassion and concern for the people of the north. As conditions in northern Uganda evolve, hopefully continuing in the direction of peace and recovery, I believe the American people's steady support will be an important contribution to the redevelopment process. 

Thank you again for your interest and concern. 

Sincerely,

Steven A. Browning
U.S. Ambassador to Uganda