Peace

The effects of peace have finally, at long last, become evident in Northern Uganda. When I first came to Gulu in 2007, the ceasefire had only been in effect for about a year and a half. The vast majority of the population remained in IDP camps though the rebel army – the Lord’s Resistanc Army (LRA) – had absented the area in 2005/2006. People were still very fearful of leaving the camps, very dependent on outside aid, and very much struggling to survive. I would hear often about what “normal” life was like for the Acholi people prior to the war. They would recall an idyllic and peaceful village setting in which they were able to produce their own food and live together with family and clan members. But in 2007, normal life had become merely a distant memory and a whimsical hope for those living in Northern Uganda. The reality of war still loomed menacingly in most people’s minds and the possibility of returning to a traditional way of life in the village seemed a far off dream.

Four years later (and six years after the retreat of the LRA) that distant hope is finally becoming a reality. Now, at long last, I have been able to see this traditional form of life that I had often been told about in years past. For the first time, I see villages and gardens flourishing. I see families reuniting. I see peace. People are still facing struggles, but they are finally experiencing the freedom for which they have long waited. They are free to live on their own land. Free to grow their own food. Free to move at night in their own neighborhood. Free to be Acholi once again. Most of all, they are free from fear. It is as if the entire population has breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The most evident indication of this peace has been the abundance of homes and gardens now seen sprouting up everywhere in the “bush” (the villages). During the war, few dared to live in such isolation as their village where they were easy targets for the rebels. Now, they return to these places eagerly and have started to harvest good crops. Another indication of peace is the growing number of people traveling on foot after dark. In years past, moving at night was extremely risky, often resulting in death or abduction. Now, people no longer fear the night. In addition, Gulu Town is growing by leaps and bounds… new hotels, new banks, new stores can be seen on every corner. Gulu is still the same endearing place, but it has changed much now in the past four years. Hopefully, all for the better.

Even more important than the rebuilding of the physical landscape is the restoration of people’s spirits. The war was long. The suffering was prolific. As a result, hope waned during those years and courage/resilience began to falter. But a return to traditional life has restored a belief not only that life can be good once again, but also that people can be good once again.

What all this means for my friends in Gulu, and for the Acholi people, is difficult to express in words. I can only see the joy reflected in their faces… as if their hearts are singing some unheard, but deep and joyous melody. I cannot completely understand what they are feeling, but after witnessing their joy, my heart also sings with them.