Entebbe, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged his support to the family of Joseph Kony, the former leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), during a meeting held at State House on Friday. The gathering, led by Brig. Ali Ssalongo Kony, Joseph Kony’s son, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for welcoming them back into their community and vowed to become productive citizens.
Ali Kony, accompanied by his mother, children, and Joseph Kony’s uncle, Kony Otim Thomas, conveyed their appreciation to President Museveni for the peace prevailing in Northern Uganda, which has enabled their people to return home. They also emphasized that Joseph Kony, who is now 62 years old, is weak and unable to pose a threat. Consequently, they appealed for rehabilitation and support for their family to engage in productive activities, particularly farming.
In response, the Chief of Pageya Chiefdom, Rwot Yusuf Okwonga Adek III, thanked President Museveni for the existing peace in the region and implored him to consider Joseph Kony’s family as his own, stating, “Your Excellency, Kony’s children are now your children. The family needs help from you as their father.”
President Museveni assured them of his commitment to assist the family by providing land for collective agriculture and integrating them into the money economy. He suggested the establishment of a family company, where all members can work together and share the proceeds. The President highlighted that this model could serve as an example for other Ugandans.
“We can help them set up a farm there so that they work together as a company and then share what comes out. All the children and the wives should be shareholders. What I’m telling you is what I have been telling other Ugandans. So, I can use you as an example and become a model for other people to see,” stated President Museveni.
Additionally, President Museveni vowed to continue supporting Kony war victims across the country. The meeting was attended by Mr. Odoch Bosco Olak, the Presidential Coordinator for Northern Uganda, and other officials.
