14th JUNE 2025
LRA WAR MEMORIAL WALK.
For over two decades, Northern Uganda endured one of the darkest and most painful chapters in its history. The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) waged a brutal war that tore through families, villages, and generations. Childhoods were stolen. Lives were shattered. Communities were uprooted and scattered. For many, hope became a distant memory.
At the height of the conflict, tens of thousands were forced into Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps, makeshift shelters that offered safety, but little comfort. One such place was Lukodi, a village that opened its doors to those fleeing violence. But on May 19, 2004, tragedy struck. The LRA attacked the Lukodi IDP camp, brutally killing more than 72 civilians, most of them women and children.
Homes were set ablaze, families torn apart, and the soil soaked in sorrow. The Lukodi Massacre remains one of the most haunting symbols of the war’s cruelty.
As part of our commitment to preserving and honoring the historical, physical, and cultural heritage of Acholiland, and to promote community healing through meaningful remembrance, we will join the community of Lukodi for the LRA War Memorial Walk, a one-day event taking place on 14th June 2025.
This will not be just a walk, it will be a shared act of memory, mourning, and hope.
Our day will begin with an early morning drive from Gulu to Lukodi, led by a team of cyclists who will set the pace for this commemorative journey. Lukodi lies less than 20 kilometers from Gulu and holds deep historical significance in Northern Uganda’s journey toward peace and recovery.
Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our community guide who will provide a safety and historical briefing, introducing us to the story of Lukodi and setting the tone for the day’s reflection.
We will then embark on a symbolic 5-kilometer walk, a once-feared path now reclaimed by peace. Along the trail, we will listen to live testimonies from survivors, elders, and peacebuilders. voices that carry the weight of memory and the wisdom of lived experiences. Their stories are not only a reminder of the past but also a call to protect the future.
The walk will culminate in a visit to two key landmarks: the Lukodi Massacre Site and the Lukodi Memorial Center. Here, we will pause to reflect on the legacy of pain, resilience, and hope etched into this community’s history.
We will close the day with a solemn candlelight ceremony, a moment of silence in honor of those who never made it home. This act serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for truth, justice, remembrance, and peace in post-conflict Northern Uganda.
After an emotionally reflective day, we will make our way back to Gulu. Arrival is expected later in the afternoon, allowing you time to rest, journal, or process the powerful experiences of the day.
