Commemoration of the Ombaci massacre day – 24th June 2015

Shared by the Refugee Law Project

Today, 24^th June 2015, we join the communities in West Nile in remembering the Ombaci massacre victims in solidarity with the survivors in an annual commemoration of the OMBACI MASSACRE DAY. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Remembering the Victims to Promote Healing and Reconciliation.”

As part of the events to commemorate this day, Refugee Law Project participated in an evening vigil yesterday 23^rd June at Ombaci mission as a precursor for today’s memorial service celebration. During the vigil an RLP video documentary (yet to be launched) titled “Remembering a Tragedy” was screened and survivors shared their experiences and memories. Critical in the vigil were calls for acknowledgement, reparation, healing and the need for reconciliation.“

The Ombaci massacre took place on 24^th June 1981, following the overthrow of Idi Amin’s government and ensuring rebellion by the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) against the victorious Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) in the Obote II government, claiming the lives of close to 100 people, and leaving many wounded.

We shall share with you details of this event and its significance in the pursuit of peace, justice, healing and reconciliation in the region and beyond.

For more information about RLP’s work, please contact us at info@refugeelawproject.org or visit our website at www.refugeelawproject.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Related Links:

• “It Was Only the Gun Speaking With a Pool of Blood Flowing: The Ombaci
  Massacre: June 24, 1981,” The Justice and Reconciliation Project, JRP Field Note 20, June 2014.
• 2014 Ombaci Massacre Memorial. Justice and Reconciliation Project. Ombaci Catholic Mission, Arua, June 24, 2014.
• Ronald Batre, “Ombaci Massacre Survivors Push for Compensation,” Uganda Radio Network, 26 Jun 2014, Arua, Uganda.