UGANDA

NORTHERN CONFLICTS
During Obote’s second rule, the tension arose again, and there was “growing unrest in
the UNLA because of suspicions that the President was favouring his fellow Langi, at
the expense of the Acholi.” 353 For example, in 1984, “the vacant post of Chief of Staff,
caused by the death of Oyite-Ojok (killed the previous year in a helicopter crash), was
filled by Smith Opon-Acak, another Langi.” 354 The tension between the two ethnicities
was solidified in 1985, when the Acholi Tito Okello and his supporters defeated Langi
forces under the command of Opon-Acak and came to power through a military coup on
26 July 1985. 355 The most recent alleged LRA atrocities committed in Lango, such as the
Barlonyo massacre in Lira, deepened and compounded the hatred and enmity between
the Acholi and the Langi. The Langi blame the Acholi for LRA atrocities in their land
since the composition and leadership of the LRA is largely Acholi. 356 After the Barlonyo
massacre, anti-Acholi riots were organised in Lira town leading to the deaths of four
people. 357
353 Tindigarukayo, J. (1988) Uganda, 1979-85: Leadership in transition. The Journal of Modern African
Studies, 26 (4), pp. 607-622
354 Ibid
355 Ibid
356 Research conducted in Lira District
357 Ibid
161