How one phone call led to return of LRA abductees

A group of former LRA abductees are welcomed at the SOS Rehabilitation Centre run by Terra Renaissance in GuluCity on June 5, 2026. PHOTO/JAMES OWICH

On June 5, 2026, Uganda repatriated another group of LRA rebel abductees and combatants from Juba, South Sudan, through the Juba-Nimule Highway, into the country, bringing the total number of the defectors in the last three weeks to 19. Among the newest defectors were eight men, four women and two children born in the LRA captivity.

The group who arrived at SoS rehabilitation centre run by Terra Renaissance, a non-governmental organisation in Gulu City at around 3pm, reportedly arrived in Juba, through Darfur in Sudan, after escaping from the rebels’ camp in Sam Wanje, in the Central African Republic two days ago.

The latest defection was as a result of a phone call made by ‘Major’ George Olobo from the bush to Acholi cultural leaders, notifying them that they were willing to defect.

In total, 24 former LRA combatants, women and children defected after protracted negotiations that started way back in 2023, after the phone call.

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Mr Alex Oyet, the coordinator for Ker Kwaro Acholi, a cultural institution, revealed that after the phone call, negotiations were initiated between the Ugandan security agencies and their counterpart in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

“Maj George Olobo made a phone call from the bush, initiating conversations between 2023 and 2024,” Mr Oyet said. He added that in April 2026, he and Rwot Charles Onama of Pajimo Chiefdom, visited Juba to finalise the return process of the ex-LRA combatants and civilians.

“We went to Juba, South Sudan with Rwot Onama of Pajimo, to discuss how we could bring our children back home. And we are happy that today, Friday, we have finally brought them back home (Uganda),” he said.

According to Mr Oyet, the willingness of the Ugandan security forces and their South Sudanese counterpart eased the process of repatriation of the former abductees and LRA combatants.

The Ugandan security agencies said since January 2026, eight women believed to be Kony's ‘wives’ and 13 of the combatants have been brought to Uganda. Some of the women are nationals of CAR and DRC.

Figures by the UPDF indicate that between 2023 and 2024, a total of 150 people who were in LRA captivity, were rescued.

A week ago, two young women believed to be ‘wives’ of the notorious LRA rebel’s commander, Joseph Kony were repatriated to Uganda from the Central African Republic.

The pair accompanied