Why do we keep talking about “Come Home” messaging? Because it has proven to be the most successful tool in fostering defections from the Lord’s Resistance Army. 89% of recent LRA escapees have said that Come Home programs played a role in their peaceful surrender.
Recently, some of the seamstresses at Mend mentioned the desire to record their own Come Home Messages to loved ones still with the LRA. They bravely sat down with a local journalist and shared messages that were broadcast by UBC radio in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
All three of the Mend women were formerly abducted and have since returned to Uganda to lead happier and healthier lives. In the recordings, the women introduced themselves, explained how they have been safely welcomed back into their communities, are supporting their families through their work at Mend and called on individuals by name to return home.
Below are excerpts from their messages.
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“I would like to appeal to my husband Denis Obol who is still in the LRA. I would like him to know that the government of Uganda will not harm him. Let him return home and begin staying with me. I am also waiting for him. He should also know that it is not true that when he returns the government will poison him. Let him return home.”
– Adong Florence, returned in 2006
“I would like to send my greeting to Ajok Pink who is still in the LRA and she is the wife to Joseph Kony. I would like also to send greetings to Cecilia Akullu who was here and decided to go back to Joseph Kony who is also her husband. I would also like to send greetings to Ajok who was my friend in the LRA. Ajok’s son escaped and now staying here with us very well.”
– Laker Lucy, returned in 2000 after 7 years in the bush
“I came back with a number of big wounds I obtained from the bush. When I escaped, it took 3 months in Juba. The wounds now have healed and I am living a very good life…Now I am making bags with my friends at Mend, a centre created by Invisible Children. I have also learnt a lot of work and my bags are sold in America. I am very happy that my bags are sold in America even though I have not reached there. I hope to reach America one day…Life is very good here sincerely. You can even see the way I am happy. I have always been happy because I have been longing to come back home. I would also like them to come back and enjoy with me.”
– Amono Lilly, returned in 2004
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