UGANDA

NORTHERN CONFLICTS
reportedly encouraged the sale of land to investors. 248 Some participants argued that the
Government and current leadership are passive bystanders to the regional escalation of
land conflicts.
41. The Oyoro Boys (1979 – 1980)
The Oyoro Boys were a collection of small rebel groups that formed in Arua in 1979. 249
They emerged after the overthrow of Idi Amin and the withdrawal of Tanzanian forces
with the aim of returning Amin to power. The Oyoro Boys eventually joined the West Nile
Bank Front (WNBF).
The Oyoro Boys were comprised of former army officials under Amin, including Bumuze
and Yerego. They targeted the Acholi and Banyankole forces of the Uganda National
Liberation Army (UNLA) in revenge for past wrongs, and were primarily involved in
looting. After occupying Arua town for one day they were chased away by the army.
Women who participated in a focus group discussion performed a skit on how the war
came to Arua with the invasion of the Oyoro boys, the retaliation of UNLA soldiers,
wanton killings, and their subsequent suffering and exile in the Congo.
Though the Oyoro Boys were one of the smaller rebel groups in West Nile, participants
across all focus group discussions in Arua insisted that smaller local groups committed
numerous atrocities while part of the larger WNBF. They emphasised that the respective
legacies of these smaller groups need to be disaggregated in the pursuit of comprehensive
solutions.
42. The Yerego War (1980) 250
The Yerego War refers to a small insurgency that was active in 1980 in present day
Maracha District. The rebel group was led by Yerego, a former military commander
under Idi Amin. Participants identified the Yerego rebels as one of the splinter groups
active in different parts of West Nile between 1979 and 1986.
Though a relatively small force, those under the leadership of Yerego reportedly
committed many atrocities in present day Maracha district. Participants insisted that
the Yerego group, while part of the larger West Nile Bank Front (WNBF), committed
significant atrocities and violations. Therefore, the participants agreed that this small
group also needs to be given close attention in the justice and recovery process.
43. The Amin Onzi War (1980)
Another splinter insurgency was fought by Amin Onzi. Amin Onzi joined the army in
1967, and in 1976, President Idi Amin promoted him to the rank of Major. When Amin’s
government was overthrown, Amin Onzi fought with the Oyoro Boys. Participants
mentioned that he also fought on his own, and named this the ‘Amin Onzi War’. Amin Onzi
248 Research conducted in Arua District
249 This section summarises research conducted in Arua District
250 This section summarises research findings from Arua District
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