Relatives want Ongwen cleansed before ICC trial

Mr Charles Ojara (C), one of Ongwen’s brothers displays a newspaper containing a story about the former LRA rebel commander. They want to cleanse him of bad omen and evil spirits. PHOTO BY JULIUS OCUNGI

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Acholi leaders and Ongwen’s relatives say a cleansing ceremony will exorcise him of evil spirits and bad omen.

Amuru- Relatives of former Lord’s Resistance Army rebel commander, ‘Maj Gen’ Dominc Ongwen, have asked government to allow them conduct a traditional cleansing to exorcise him of evil spirits and bad omen.

‘Maj Gen’ Ongwen surrendered recently to the Seleka rebels in Central African Republic and was later handed to the American Special Forces that are collaborating with the UPDF in the hunt for LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony and his top commanders in CAR and DR Congo.

The UPDF spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda this week, said Ongwen would be handed to the ICC to face trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Speaking to Daily Monitor on Wednesday, Ongwen’s uncle, Mr John Odong, 70, a resident of Coorom village in Lamogi Sub-county, Amuru District appealed to government to allow them perform rituals on the former LRA commander and wish him good luck during trial at the ICC.

“My son, Ongwen was abducted at a young age. Although he could have done bad things, now that he has surrendered we want to carry out rituals on him like any other formerly abducted persons who return home,” Odong said.

Ms Anna Angeyo, 87, Ongwen’s grandmother, said the only way his grandson could be relieved of any bad omen after two decades in LRA captivity is through traditional cleansing process.

Mr Polly Phillip Okin Ojara, the prime minister of Acholi Cultural Institution said yesterday he supports the cleansing.

He said government should adopt the traditional reconciliation process that heals scars of war in the region through forgiveness and also suggested that Ongwen be given amnesty.

However, the time of conducting the cleansing would not be specified as Col Ankunda said the family would at an appropriate time meet Ongwen.

Mr Nyeko Oryem, communications officer at the Justice for Reconciliation Project (JRP) however said Ongwen’s trial at the ICC will be beneficial and will bring out the truth.