Odama still waiting for Kony's answer 20 years later

The Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama (L) and LRA commander Joseph Kony (R). PHOTO/ FILE/COURTESY

In July 2006, at the peak of the Lord’s Resistance Army–led insurgency in northern Uganda, Archbishop John Baptist Odama of the Gulu Catholic Archdiocese visited Joseph Kony's hideout in DR Congo's Garamba National Park alongside other religious and government leaders.

Archbishop Odama, who retired in 2023 after 25 years of service, has been pivotal in the restoration of peace and the preaching of peace between the government of Uganda and the LRA, which had greatly terrorised the region.

Travelling to the bush was risky but with a purpose: to restore peace in the war-torn area through advocacy for cessation of fire and eventual peace deal.

While in the bush, he, who was then the leader of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), had physical discussions with Kony and his top commanders.

He believes that a lot of progress has been made since the interface, with many abductees and rebel leaders safely returned home and reintegrated into the community, coupled with the relative peace.

Archbishop Odama rejoices but says the one thing that still bothers him is the fact that Kony has not yet returned home.

During the conversation with Kony, the Archbishop said he spoke to his face, questioning when he will return home, if he cares about the suffering people, and whether he cherishes peace.

‘’When it came my turn to talk, I challenged him and his commanders against destroying human lives, and demanded to know when he was coming back home, and whether he cherishes the suffering of the people. I questioned why he doesn't want to abandon the war and come back home.’’ The clergyman told this publication during an interview.

He recalled saying that he was determined for the worst that will come, because his main interest was to get an answer for people back home.

‘’I ask you, when will you return home?’’ But to his dismay, Archbishop Odama received no responses, as Kony timidly looked at him.

We set off from the bush the next day, with no answer to my question, and to date, I am waiting for that response. The best response would be seeing him return home. Archbishop Odama explained.

Even in retirement, the Archbishop Emeritus says his heart still yearns to see Kony out of the bush or wherever he is. ‘’When will you come home? Answer my question by coming home!’’

Archbishop Odama and some clerics did not just risk going to the bush, but also slept in Gulu Main Bus park for several nights with children who were night commuters.

‘’The chil