Two Ugandans, including one female and one male combatant, arrived in Obo, Central African Republic in late February after escaping from Joseph Kony’s LRA.

The pair, 32-year-old Bosco and 24-year-old Barbara, reportedly escaped from a group of 34 LRA late at night more than one year ago. They have since been living in the bush, afraid to surrender to local communities.

Bosco was abducted as a young child. Now, after more than 15 years in captivity, he will finally be able to safely return home to Uganda.

Bosco and Barbara shared with us that they were not the only members of their group who wanted to surrender and return home. Others wanted to escape the LRA and return home but were too afraid or felt unable to leave.

At the conclusion of our interview, both Bosco and Barbara had the opportunity to record ‘Come Home’ messages for our FM radio messaging. This program encourages others to defect at safe reporting sites throughout the region, so that they can return home to their families and communities.

Here community leaders meet at Invisible Children's regional office in Kampala to discuss how they can better prepare for those escaping from the LRA.

Here community leaders meet at Invisible Children’s regional office in Kampala to discuss how they can better prepare for those escaping from the LRA.

Stories like this are a strong reminder that there’s more work to be done in central Africa. We’re giving Joseph Kony’s captives the information and motivation the need to escape through our ‘Come Home’ messaging, and we work with local communities to ensure that escapees are accepted when they leave the LRA. Thanks for your continued support of our programs.