Survivors Want Lukodi Massacre Site Developed into Museum, Tourism Centre

Survivors and victims of the 2004 Lukodi Massacre have asked the government to develop and transform the Lukodi Massacre site into a museum and tourism centre. 

Under their umbrella, Lukodi War Survivors, the group says that the site will act as a war museum, learning and research centers on the Lord`s Resistance Army insurgency, a peace center, and special dedication to those who lost their lives and also generate income.   

In May 2004, Lord Resistance Army (LRA) rebels attacked Lukodi village and army detachment in the Gulu district leaving at least 60 people dead.  

Jackline Atoo Ocaya, one of the survivors told URN that once developed, the center will become a one-stop center for war histories drawing people from different parts of the world. 

//Cue in: ‘’gin ma pire…   

Cue out: …dog gate pe.’’//   

Atto who lost her in-law in the massacre added that the museum and tourism site will also keep fresh memories of those who were lost, the history of the war, and facilitate learning purposes.   

Currently, the massacre site has a concrete monument at Lukodi Village containing the names of 60 people killed engraved on it, and the Lukodi War Centre which houses remain of victims of the massacre among other traditional items.   

The center and monument were constructed by Foundation for Justice and Development Initiatives (FJDI) and currently drawing support through donations from well-wishers. 

Atto added that the survivors and victims are also struggling to acquire a new site for relocating the massacre monument since the landowner wants it removed to pave way for his personal development. 

//Cue in: ‘’kacalo bot wa…   

Cue out: …ngom nonge gire.’’// 

She wants the government and well-wishers to step in and support them with money to purchase land for the relocation of a monument and also develop the site and centers for tourism purposes. 

Santo Latigo, 67, another survivor of the massacre says that they have severally fronted their demands for compensation and development to the government but nothing has been done since adding that some of them have died waiting for compensation and reparation from the government yet it would have greatly consoled them. 

//Cue in: ‘’mwaka na tye…  

Cue out: …pud be pe.’’//   

Latigo blames the government through the soldiers deployed in the area for failing to protect the lives of the people by averting the attacks instead of running away.   

David Acire, the Local Chairperson for Lukodi Village and also a survivor of the massacre says that their plights have already been tabled to the government through the different national leaders since they will develop the people and the area. 

//Cue in: ‘’on the issue…   

Cue out: …in this area.’’//   

Ojara Lutada, the Bungatira Sub County Chairperson says that the majority of the survivors are struggling and dearly need support and developmental projects from the government.   

Sarah Nkayimbi, the Programs Manager Foundation for Justice and Development Initiatives (FJDI) says that they have embarked on digitally banking some information about the massacre adding to the need for developing the Centre into a museum.

//Cue in: ‘’actually the school…  

Cue out: …and the center.’’//