Uganda Conflict Action Network Releases Policy Paper for U.S. Action towards Northern Uganda

WASHINGTON - Today, the Uganda Conflict Action Network has officially released its first working policy paper, titled “Seizing the Ripe Moment for Peace in Northern Uganda.” The paper provides analysis of new opportunities for peace, while outlining policy recommendations for the United States government to seize the moment. The paper reads, “There are new opportunities for peace, which if employed intentionally and expeditiously, can resolve the conflict and alleviate one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.”

The Uganda Conflict Action Network, a transcontinental campaign working for peace in forgotten and war-torn northern Uganda, sees this paper as its manifesto for advocacy in the United States. "The release of this paper is a significant step forward for the Uganda-CAN campaign's work to advocate for a more active and visible role by the United States in achieving peace in northern Uganda," said Alison Jones, Uganda-CAN legislative analyst.

The paper highlights recent developments that have presented a “ripe moment” for resolving the conflict of nearly two decades. The developments include the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan, increased attention from the international community and the successful mediation efforts of Betty Bigombe, chief negotiator between the Government of Uganda and Lord’s Resistance Army.

“The Comprehensive Peace Agreement between northern and southern factions in Sudan has presented a critical moment to address the related conflict in Uganda,” says Nathan Bauer, assistant director of Uganda-CAN. “Not only is the moment ripe to end the war in northern Uganda, but such resolution is vital to ensuring stability and peace in the region.”

The policy paper addresses the potential for the United States to play a critical role in achieving such stability and peace in the region, especially given its close working relationships with the governments in Kampala and Khartoum. The policy paper calls upon Washington to provide financial and diplomatic support to the work of Bigombe to revitalize the peace process. It further calls upon the U.S. government to provide accountability and trust-building through human rights monitoring, civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.

“Through intentional steps, the United States can take the lead in bringing attention and resolution to this forgotten crisis that not only threatens regional stability, but has caused so much human suffering,” says Michael Poffenberger, Uganda-CAN director of advocacy. “Uganda-CAN will work to see that this ripe moment is seized.