news 25 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kony Desires Normal Life for His Children, Say Former Abductees
Defectors from the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) reveal that fugitive leader Joseph Kony has expressed a desire for his children, including those born into the rebellion, to live normal lives and return home. Sources indicate Kony has facilitated the release of family members in recent years as the LRA's strength wanes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lra-leader-kony-wants-his-children-to-live-a-normal-life-former-abductees-5473528
Recent defectors from Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have shared insights into the warlord’s evolving priorities, suggesting he now wishes for his children to experience a “civilized environment” and return to a normal life.
Sources close to the weakened LRA indicate that Kony has, over the past four years, actively offered to release his family members, predominantly children, to facilitate their return to their communities. This sentiment was echoed by two of Kony’s wives, who recently surrendered and are undergoing reintegration support in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
These former abductees described Kony’s waning enthusiasm for the rebellion and his repeated expressed desire for his wives and children to leave the conflict and return home whenever an opportunity arises. “Many of us women and children who belong to him (Kony) and a few other active commanders are encouraged to surrender once an opportunity strikes,” one of Kony’s wives stated.
This shift in Kony’s focus comes as the LRA is reportedly diminishing in strength. A meeting convened by the CAR government in early April, involving Ugandan and DRC officials, aimed to bolster coordination for the repatriation and demobilization of remaining LRA fighters and their associated families. The meeting highlighted significant logistical and operational challenges hindering these efforts.
Ex-combatants and their families are reportedly concentrated in remote areas, facing severe difficulties in securing basic necessities like food, medical care, and financial support, which has further weakened the group. The recent repatriation saw 15 individuals, including nine women and 13 children of various nationalities, successfully defect. Among them were two of Kony’s wives who were escorted to Uganda by defense intelligence officials.
The successful return of these former captives is viewed as a crucial step towards peacebuilding in the region, with calls for increased support for these humanitarian efforts.
This story was originally reported by the Daily Monitor.