Every child abducted by Joseph Kony’s rebel army is robbed of his childhood and a normal life — until he escapes. This is the story of a new beginning.
Kennedy (center) is with his adult literacy instructor (left) and Christine from World Vision Uganda (right).
It was around 5 pm on a day in 2002 when the LRA rebels arrived at Kennedy’s homestead. He was only nine years old, sitting with his younger sister, and the rebels demanded that Kennedy take them to the town center. On their way, they met Kennedy’s mother. The rebels beat her as she begged the rebels to spare her son. Kennedy was abducted after that.
Abrupt attacks and fighting with UPDF soldiers (the Ugandan military) made life hard and threatening for Kennedy. They often had to walk far, and they never had enough food. A friend talked to him about running away, and since escaping had always been on Kennedy’s mind, they decided to escape the next day when the rebels were sleeping. After walking three days and surviving a gun fight with hunters in the forest, Kennedy finally escaped the LRA at age 22, after 11 years in captivity.
Today, Kennedy has started a new life doing what he loves: getting an education. After receiving rehabilitation treatment at Children of War (a center funded by Invisible Children and implemented by World Vision Uganda), Kennedy is taking adult literacy classes and has future plans to take a mechanics course. He is very happy to be reunited with his family, whose love, support, and guidance have helped him reintegrate into his community.
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