Political Advocacy and Legislation

• Read Uganda-CAN's policy recommendations to the US government on how it can actively support a peaceful resolution to the LRA rebellion. Also, read US Congressional legislation and UN resolutions relevant to the conflict.

Sudan & Darfur

• Read about the connections between the conflict in northern Uganda and instability and conflict in southern Sudan and Darfur, including Uganda-CAN's recommendations to the US government on creating a regional policy approach to resolving the conflicts in the Great Lakes region.

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in the Northwest region to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN Northwest Regional Coordinator
There is currently no regional coordinator for the Southwest. If you are interested in the position, or would like to organize an event, contact pquaranto@ugandacan.org.

The Northwest region includes the states of Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!
If there is no regional coordinator for your region, contact pquaranto@ugandacan.org.

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in the Southwest region to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN Southwest Regional Coordinator
There is currently no regional coordinator for the Southwest. If you are interested in the position, or would like to organize an event, contact pquaranto@ugandacan.org.

The Southwest region includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!
If there is no regional coordinator for your region, contact pquaranto@ugandacan.org.

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in the Midwest region to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN Midwest Regional Coordinator
Emily Nohner
201 Lawnview Apartments
Dayton, OH 45409
937-627-8433
nohnerea@notes.udayton.edu

The Midwest region includes the states of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in the Southeast region to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN Southeast Regional Coordinator
Karen Ashcraft
5240 Bay Circle
Cumming, Georgia 30041
phone: (770) 844-0810
email: Wildthingstours@bellsouth.net

The Southeast region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in New England to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN New England Regional Coordinator
Nandita Dinesh
Unit 1237, Wellesley College
21 Wellesley College Road
Wellesley, MA 02481
ndinesh@wellesley.edu
(617) 571-4404

New England includes the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusets, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Past Uganda-CAN Activities in New England

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!

Introduction: On 8 January 2006, The Daily Monitor published an opinion-editorial by the Uganda Conflict Action Network, titled “Uganda Needs a Solid Peace Plan.” In the Op/Ed, we wrote, “Any candidate who cannot provide a comprehensive and convincing response to this question [the war in northern Uganda] does not deserve to take the helm of the nation at this crossroads. Uganda deserves a comprehensive peace plan.” We then laid out a framework for how each candidate might address their policy platform for addressing the 20-year-old war in the northern region.

Following its release, this article was debated throughout Uganda on numerous radio stations. On the famous Capital Gang radio program, ministers of state debated its merits, concluding in a defeatist manner that the article lacked substance and a substantive plan that differs from the status quo. They challenged Uganda-CAN to produce a specific plan for how the Government of Uganda might better promote peace and reconciliation.

We do not shy away from this challenge because we believe that a.) the status quo is simply unacceptable and b.) we do believe better policy by the Government of Uganda can expedite a resolution to this war and relief for the people of northern Uganda. In the following, we respond to the four questions posed in our electoral framework above:

1. The Ugandan military has a track record of failing to protect its own citizens, and the delegation of civilian protection and humanitarian worker security to local defense units (LDUs) hinders humanitarian access and leaves IDPs vulnerable to attack. LDU personnel have been drunk while escorting humanitarian agencies, and sometimes refused to provide escort unless they were given food intended for IDPs. Those given the task of protecting the more than 1.7 million civilians in internally-displaced people’s (IDP) camps are failing. In their most recent security report, the United Nations found that in recent months, more children were being abducted by the LRA rebels than those child-rebels being rescued or killed by the UPDF.

The Government of Uganda, in accordance with its own National IDP policy (not yet fully implemented) and its commitments reflected in the 2005 World Summit Outcome, should fulfill its responsibility to protect all civilians. The government should adopt an appropriate security strategy which focuses on protection rather than confrontation, prioritizing protection of civilians and aid convoys by ensuring adequate deployment of troops within northern Uganda and ensuring that these troops maintain the highest standards and are held responsible for any crimes they commit. The government should further enhance the policy capacity and presence in northern Uganda by increasing the number of police officers in each camp area. The government must also strengthen the judicial system in the war-affected area to allow for impartiality, accountability and independence from the military. This will appropriately address claims of human rights abuses by UPDF and LDU forces. Accordingly, this strategy must expand the area of protection around IDP camps to allow for greater freedom of movement to increase civilian access to agricultural land, healthcare, markets, employment, and basic services.

2. After 20 years of conflict, military victory is unlikely. Almost ninety percent of the LRA is made up of children, so further military aggression against the LRA only inflicts more violence upon children. Former Ugandan Parliamentarian Betty Bigombe’s mediation efforts between the LRA and the government of Uganda deserve greater financial, logistical and political support. Currently, Bigombe is operating as an individual with little support from her the Government of Uganda or the international community. Reliable sources in the diplomatic community informed us that the current government only entertains the work of Bigombe and prospects for a peaceful resolution in order to not lose the support of the international donor community. The long history of inflammatory remarks and contradictory gestures highlights the schizophrenic policy of the current regime towards a peace process. A first step would be to fully engage the continue overtures made by the LRA leadership to negotiate by presenting a comprehensive peace proposal (see ICG reports) to LRA leadership.

Further, the Ugandan government must bring together stakeholders in Uganda – political parties, religious leaders and other civil society actors - to develop a clear and transparent proposal that clarifies the end of the war and the implementation of peace. Tremendous post-conflict challenges involving land, disarmament and development await. An immediate plan to dismantle the internally-displaced people’s camps and establish mechanisms to resolve land disputes among IDPs returning home is critical and urgent. A mechanism for truth-telling will also be essential to let people express their grievances and move towards reconciliation. A national conference, followed by a truth (and reconciliation) commission may be one way to address this need. Such a commission would give various actors outlets to express their grievances and hostilities. It would need to be followed by affirmative action and development programs to address real political and economic grievances.

3. The Government of Uganda should work with the international community to call for tripartite talks between Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan to ensure a peaceful and coordinated response to LRA activity in the region. The government can also work with the international community, particularly the United States and United Kingdom governments, to pressure all state and non-state actors in the region that continue providing support to the LRA. Finally, the government should explore regional and international organizations that can aid the International Criminal Court in serving arrest warrants on the leaders indicted by the court.

4. The Government of Uganda to date, against the motions by the Parliament, has refused to declare the north a humanitarian disaster zone. The government claims that the war is a domestic affair that can be addressed internally. This policy must change immediately. The international community can bring resources to bear to enhance civilian protection, mediation efforts and humanitarian relief. All of these are deeply needed. The United Nations Security Council can help in many ways, including urging and supporting the governments of Sudan and DRC to assist the ICC investigations. The UN SC can also use UNMIS (its mission in southern Sudan) to address threats to civilians and disruptions of humanitarian aid caused by activities of armed groups including the LRA. There are many other ways that the international community can support peace, reconciliation and development in northern Uganda. Failure to welcome this presence has led to the persistence of the war and raises troubling questions about the intent and commitment of the Government of Uganda to its responsibility to protect its own citizens.

On 23 February 2006, Ugandans will go to the polls to choose their president for the next five years. This election will have important consequences on prospects for resolving the conflict in northern Uganda, and it is important that voters are aware of the plans that each of the five presidential candidates have to address the crisis in northern Uganda. Read below to find out how each candidate proposes to address the longstanding war in northern Uganda.

Read Uganda-CAN’s Op/Ed in the Daily Monitor (Jan. 8th, 2006): “Uganda Needs a Solid Peace Plan.”

Read Uganda-CAN's Op/Ed in the Daily Monitor (Feb. 2nd, 2006): "This Platform Can Bring Peace to Northern Uganda."

Read Uganda-CAN’s Policy Platform for Peace in Northern Uganda.

Read Human Rights Watch's Feb. 2006 report "In Hope and Fear: Uganda’s Presidential and Parliamentary Polls", which says that the ruling NRM government in Uganda has created an atmosphere in which upcoming elections are unlikely to be free and fair. The report details how voters in northern Uganda are especially vulnerable to threats from the government military and LRA and the inability to safely access voting stations.

Guide to Presidential Candidate Platforms Regarding Northern Uganda:

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Candidate: Kizza Besigye
"FDC shall establish a national Truth and Reconciliation Commission, peace-building and reconciliation programmes ... and comprehensive psychosocial programmes to address the large-scale psychiatric needs of former abductees and the general population affected by conflict." - Besigye

• The FDC intends to “rapidly bring to a speedy end, through dialogue and negotiations, the LRA conflict in Northern Uganda.”



• They plan to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission within the first six months of the FDC government to reconcile the country and bring all internal conflicts to quick and permanent end.



• They aim to resettle all those displaced by conflict within one year by instituting specific plans to stimulate economic development, educational opportunities and other social service. This will reverse the downward economic, educational, and cultural trend created by two decades of conflict.



• The FDC also wants to implement free secondary education for children from “conflict affected areas.”



• "Focus on organised settlement, infrastructure development (water, electricity), improved land use and land titling, and interventions for agricultural production and other economic activities."

Democratic Party (DP)
Candidate: John Ssebaana Kizito
"Genuine peace, and not revenge, is what is required to heal the wounds that have developed over the years. The Democratic Party shall give northern Uganda top priority in order to ensure that the conflict comes to an end. We shall employ a combination of diplomatic strategy and increase the role of the traditional leaders in conflict resolution." - Kizito

• The DP plans to give peace in northern Uganda top priority by employing diplomatic strategies and increasing the role of the traditional leaders in conflict resolution. In order to encourage the LRA rebels to surrender, the DP promises to extend the Amnesty Commission’s mandate, and call it the Amnesty and Resettlement Commission – this commission would take over the responsibilities and assets of the northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme, ensure that adequate infrastructure is put in place, and handle such claims as those involving compensation for victims of torture, mutilation and loss of life.



• A central/local government partnership would be established in order to ensure the immediate resettlement of the IDPs. They hope to disband all IDP camps within the first 90 days of their government.



• The DP government also has plans to set up counseling centers and employ professional counselors - who will work in conjunction with traditional cleansing ceremonies - in order to provide the necessary psychosocial support for those battling conflict-induced trauma.



• Universal access to AIDS anti-retroviral drugs for all HIV/AIDS patients in northern Uganda will be procured and a Special Education Programme created to cater for all school-going youth and adults who have not been able to attend school in the last 20 years.

National Resistance Movement Organization (NRM-O)
Candidate: Yoweri Museveni

• Making use of 3 billion Shs. in the budget, the IDP bursary scheme started by the Museveni-led NRM will provide Shs 47,000 each for school fees for children whose parents live in IDP camps.



• The NRM government, in conjunction with development partners, is preparing a Comprehensive Recovery and Development Plan (RDP) to consolidate on-going programs so that new initiatives are complimentary to existing ones, and develop ones geared towards conflict prevention, management/ mitigation and resolution.



• The NRM plans to continue to professionalize and modernize the army and the police, and work closely with both and the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A to pursue the remnants of LRA until there is a comprehensive peace in northern Uganda.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)
Candidate: Miria Kalule Obote

• The UPC intends to fight sectionalism by establishing a truth and healing process based on the South African truth and reconciliation commission that would undertake comprehensive civic education to encourage forgiveness and nationalism.



• The UPC plans to formulate special policies for revitalizing education in northern Uganda and placing emphasis on the rehabilitation and provision of adequate and effective health services.

On 23 February 2006, Ugandans will go to the polls to choose their president for the next five years. This election will have important consequences on prospects for resolving the conflict in northern Uganda, and it is important that voters are aware of the plans that each of the five presidential candidates have to address the crisis in northern Uganda. Read below to find out how each candidate proposes to address the longstanding war in northern Uganda.

Click below to read an Uganda-CAN op/ed about why the war ought to be the priority issue in the upcoming election, along with Uganda-CAN's Policy Platform for Peace in Northern Uganda.

Read Uganda-CAN’s Op/Ed in Daily Monitor - “Uganda Needs a Solid Peace Plan.” http://allafrica.com/stories/200601110716.html

Read Uganda-CAN’s policy platform for peace in northern Uganda. (Link to that page)

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Candidate: Kizza Besigye

• The FDC intends to “rapidly bring to a speedy end, through dialogue and negotiations, the LRA conflict in Northern Uganda.”



• They plan to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission within the first six months of the FDC government to reconcile the country and bring all internal conflicts to quick and permanent end.



• They aim to resettle all those displaced by conflict within one year by instituting specific plans to stimulate economic development, educational opportunities and other social service. This will reverse the downward economic, educational, and cultural trend created by two decades of conflict.



• The FDC also wants to implement free secondary education for children from “conflict affected areas.”

Democratic Party (DP)
Candidate: John Ssebaana Kizito

• The DP plans to give peace in northern Uganda top priority by employing diplomatic strategies and increasing the role of the traditional leaders in conflict resolution. In order to encourage the LRA rebels to surrender, the DP promises to extend the Amnesty Commission’s mandate, and call it the Amnesty and Resettlement Commission – this commission would take over the responsibilities and assets of the northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme, ensure that adequate infrastructure is put in place, and handle such claims as those involving compensation for victims of torture, mutilation and loss of life.



• A central/local government partnership would be established in order to ensure the immediate resettlement of the IDPs. They hope to disband all IDP camps within the first 90 days of their government.



• The DP government also has plans to set up counseling centers and employ professional counselors - who will work in conjunction with traditional cleansing ceremonies - in order to provide the necessary psychosocial support for those battling conflict-induced trauma.



• Universal access to AIDS anti-retroviral drugs for all HIV/AIDS patients in northern Uganda will be procured and a Special Education Programme created to cater for all school-going youth and adults who have not been able to attend school in the last 20 years.

National Resistance Movement Organization (NRM-O)
Candidate: Yoweri Museveni

• Making use of 3 billion Shs. in the budget, the IDP bursary scheme started by the Museveni-led NRM will provide Shs 47,000 each for school fees for children whose parents live in IDP camps.



• The NRM government, in conjunction with development partners, is preparing a Comprehensive Recovery and Development Plan (RDP) to consolidate on-going programs so that new initiatives are complimentary to existing ones, and develop ones geared towards conflict prevention, management/ mitigation and resolution.



• The NRM plans to continue to professionalize and modernize the army and the police, and work closely with both and the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A to pursue the remnants of LRA until there is a comprehensive peace in northern Uganda.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)
Candidate: Miria Kalule Obote

• The UPC intends to fight sectionalism by establishing a truth and healing process based on the South African truth and reconciliation commission that would undertake comprehensive civic education to encourage forgiveness and nationalism.



• The UPC plans to formulate special policies for revitalizing education in northern Uganda and placing emphasis on the rehabilitation and provision of adequate and effective health services.

On 23 February 2006, Ugandans will go to the polls to choose their president for the next five years. This election will have important consequences on prospects for resolving the conflict in northern Uganda, and it is important that voters are aware of the plans that each of the five presidential candidates have to address the crisis in northern Uganda. Read below to find out how each candidate proposes to address the longstanding war in northern Uganda.

Click below to read an Uganda-CAN op/ed about why the war ought to be the priority issue in the upcoming election, along with Uganda-CAN's Policy Platform for Peace in Northern Uganda.

Read Uganda-CAN’s Op/Ed in Daily Monitor - “Uganda Needs a Solid Peace Plan.” http://allafrica.com/stories/200601110716.html

Read Uganda-CAN’s policy platform for peace in northern Uganda. (Link to that page)

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Candidate: Kizza Besigye

• The FDC intends to “rapidly bring to a speedy end, through dialogue and negotiations, the LRA conflict in Northern Uganda.”



• They plan to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission within the first six months of the FDC government to reconcile the country and bring all internal conflicts to quick and permanent end.



• They aim to resettle all those displaced by conflict within one year by instituting specific plans to stimulate economic development, educational opportunities and other social service. This will reverse the downward economic, educational, and cultural trend created by two decades of conflict.



• The FDC also wants to implement free secondary education for children from “conflict affected areas.”

Democratic Party (DP)
Candidate: John Ssebaana Kizito

• The DP plans to give peace in northern Uganda top priority by employing diplomatic strategies and increasing the role of the traditional leaders in conflict resolution. In order to encourage the LRA rebels to surrender, the DP promises to extend the Amnesty Commission’s mandate, and call it the Amnesty and Resettlement Commission – this commission would take over the responsibilities and assets of the northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme, ensure that adequate infrastructure is put in place, and handle such claims as those involving compensation for victims of torture, mutilation and loss of life.



• A central/local government partnership would be established in order to ensure the immediate resettlement of the IDPs. They hope to disband all IDP camps within the first 90 days of their government.



• The DP government also has plans to set up counseling centers and employ professional counselors - who will work in conjunction with traditional cleansing ceremonies - in order to provide the necessary psychosocial support for those battling conflict-induced trauma.



• Universal access to AIDS anti-retroviral drugs for all HIV/AIDS patients in northern Uganda will be procured and a Special Education Programme created to cater for all school-going youth and adults who have not been able to attend school in the last 20 years.

National Resistance Movement Organization (NRM-O)
Candidate: Yoweri Museveni

• Making use of 3 billion Shs. in the budget, the IDP bursary scheme started by the Museveni-led NRM will provide Shs 47,000 each for school fees for children whose parents live in IDP camps.



• The NRM government, in conjunction with development partners, is preparing a Comprehensive Recovery and Development Plan (RDP) to consolidate on-going programs so that new initiatives are complimentary to existing ones, and develop ones geared towards conflict prevention, management/ mitigation and resolution.



• The NRM plans to continue to professionalize and modernize the army and the police, and work closely with both and the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A to pursue the remnants of LRA until there is a comprehensive peace in northern Uganda.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)
Candidate: Miria Kalule Obote

• The UPC intends to fight sectionalism by establishing a truth and healing process based on the South African truth and reconciliation commission that would undertake comprehensive civic education to encourage forgiveness and nationalism.



• The UPC plans to formulate special policies for revitalizing education in northern Uganda and placing emphasis on the rehabilitation and provision of adequate and effective health services.

Uganda-CAN organized a wide range of grassroots initiatives in 2005, from petitions and call-ins to GuluWalks and a Prayer and Action Weekend. With the help of volunteers from all over the world, we contributed to a growing international cry for an end to the terrible war in northern Uganda.

Petition for Peace - Uganda-CAN launched a petition calling on US leaders to take a more proactive role in peace efforts in northern Uganda. Over 2,000 people signed!

Prayer and Action Weekend - In September 2005 Uganda-CAN organized a prayer and action weekend asking religious communities to pray, speak and take action for northern Uganda. Communities all over the US and Uganda participated.

GuluWalks - On October 22nd, 2005, Uganda-CAN members participated in Global GuluWalk Day, in which 15,000 people in over 40 cities worldwide marched in solidarity with the child victims of the war in northern Uganda. Uganda-CAN members took the lead in organizing GuluWalks in five cities, and participated in many more cities.

December 13th Call-In Day and Holiday Campaign - Uganda-CAN organized a Congressional call-in day on December 13th, 2005 to urge members of Congress to take action to support peace in northern Uganda in which hundreds around the country participated. Also as part of the Holiday Campaign, Uganda-CAN organized letter-writing campaign to the UN and US State Department calling on them address the ongoing conflict with a high-level and sustained commitment.

Download and print these resources for more information about WNY GuluWalk Day and the war in northern Uganda.

WNY GuluWalk Day organizing materials

• New!! WNY GuluWalk Coalition Night Commuter movie (wmv) - download this movie about night commuters in northern Uganda.


• New!! WNY GuluWalk Day Brochure (pdf) - download this informative brochure, which also contains a registration form that can be mailed to the WNY GuluWalk Coalition.


• Registration Form (pdf) - Register for WNY GuluWalk Day by downloading this form and mailing it the WNY GuluWalk Coalition.


• WNY GuluWalk Day Factsheet (pdf) - information about WNY GuluWalk Day and the WNY GuluWalk Coalition.


• WNY GuluWalk Day Cover Letter (doc.) - use this to gather support and donations from your community for WNY GuluWalk Day.


• Open Letter to High School Teachers (pdf) - information about making the crisis in northern Uganda and the WNY GuluWalk Day part of the classroom experience.


• 46 Ways to Make Peace in Uganda More Likely (pdf)

Conflict background (pdf)

• Background Information on the Conflict


• Information on Child Victims of the Conflict


• Timeline of the Conflict


• Key Actors and Terms

The Western New York GuluWalk Coalition would like to extend a special thank-you to Aron Cole of Cuba-Rushford Central School for his invaluable help developing the WNY GuluWalk Night Commuter movie.

WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

Connect with fellow Uganda-CAN activists in the Mid-Atlantic region to find out about Uganda-CAN events near you and what you can do to help!

Uganda-CAN Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator
Courtney Howard
1858 East Hill Road
Franklinville, NY 14737
(716) 498-2917
courtneyhoward@adelphia.net

Uganda-CAN Mid-Atlantic in the News

• Americans Hold Charity Walk for North -
  The Monitor (Uganda)


• more

Uganda-CAN Activities in the Mid-Atlantic region
Uganda Untold Project - University of Delaware
Jessica Lyon
(845) 649-6101
ugandauntoldud@gmail.com

Past Uganda-CAN Activities in the Mid-Atlantic region

• WNY GuluWalk Day -On April 8th, 2006 250 people participated in a GuluWalk and benefit concert in Buffalo, NY. $3,750 was raised by event.

Have an idea for an event?
Contact your regional coordinator about how to make it reality!

The Mid-Atlantic region includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and also includes Washington D.C.

For more information contact:
WNY GuluWalk Coalition
Courtney Howard
1858 East Hill Road
Franklinville, NY 14737
716-498-2917
courtneyhoward@adelphia.net


WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

The WNY GuluWalk Coalition needs the financial support of local businesses and foundations.

Help sponsor WNY GuluWalk Day
-donate funds to help cover the costs of the WNY GuluWalk Day Events.
-please contact Courtney Howard at choward@crcs.wnyric.org or 716-498-2917
-all donations are tax deductible

The money raised by the benefit concert will benefit both relief and advocacy efforts. 50% of the funds raised will be given directly to the World Vision Children of War Rehabilitation Center in Gulu, northern Uganda. The remaining 50% will be split evenly between GuluWalk and the Uganda Conflict Action Network, two advocacy groups working for peace in northern Uganda. Visit www.guluwalk.com or www.ugandacan.org to learn more.

Our Sponsors
The WNY GuluWalk Coalition would like to thank the following sponsors of WNY GuluWalk Day:

• St. Bonaventure University


• Wegmans Food Markets Inc.

WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

Scroll down the web page to find suggestions for action appropriate for your group. This is simply a list of suggestions – we encourage creativity and will add any good ideas you have to our list. Click here to download organizing materials, background information about the war, and a short movie about the night commuters of northern Uganda produced by the WNY GuluWalk Coalition.

Student/Youth groups
Join the growing number of high school and college student and youth groups that are getting involved in WNY GuluWalk Day. Even elementary students can participate!
-organize a group of students to come and participate in the GuluWalk and benefit concert
-show the documentary Invisible Children, about the night commuters of northern Uganda, at a school event to spark interest in participating in WNY GuluWalk Day
-put up posters and hand out flyers about WNY GuluWalk Day around your school and town.
- Contact Courtney Howard at choward@crcs.wnryic.org or 716-498-2917 to receive an organizing action packet and a free copy of Invisible Children

Musicians
Are you a local band looking for a diverse audience and a chance to contribute to peace in northern Uganda? Contact Courtney Howard at choward@crcs.wnryic.org or 716-498-2917 for more information.

Community organizations
As a grassroots, local initiative, the WNY GuluWalk Coalition seeks the support of community groups. If you would like to participate, consider:
-bring your group to Buffalo in April and participate in the GuluWalk and benefit concert
-organizing an awareness-raising event about WNY GuluWalk Day
-organizing a fundraiser for WNY GuluWalk Day

Religious groups
The WNY GuluWalk Coalition welcomes the participation of religious groups of all faiths. If you would like to participate, consider:
-bring your group to Buffalo in April and participate in the GuluWalk and benefit concert
-organizing an awareness-raising event about WNY GuluWalk Day
-organizing a fundraiser for WNY GuluWalk Day

Individuals
We welcome people of all backgrounds to participate in WNY GuluWalk Day.
-come to Buffalo in April and participate in the GuluWalk and benefit concert
-do you have any special skills (i.e. in fundraising, organizing, photography, writing, etc.)? Contact Courtney Howard at choward@crcs.wnryic.org or 716-498-2917 for more information on how you can help.

Others
Don’t fit into any of these categories? So what! We welcome any group willing to contribute.



Back to Get Involved

WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

The WNY GuluWalk Coalition welcomes the participation support of all members of the WNY community. Student groups, religious organizations, businesses, and ordinary citizens – everybody can contribute:

Participate
The success of WNY GuluWalk Day depends most of all on the participation of concerned citizens. We need the help of organizations and individuals in spreading the word about the WNY GuluWalk Day and organizing the events. Most of all, we need people to walk the GuluWalk, musicians to play in the benefit concert, and fans to listen to them! Click below to find out what you can do:
Student groups
Musicians
Community organizations
Religious groups
Individuals
Others!

Spread the word
Help spread the word about the WNY GuluWalk Day by telling your friends and family about it:
-write a letter to the editor to your local or high school newspaper
-add a link to us on your web page
-IM your friends and family
-buy GuluWalk merchandise



WNY GuluWalk homepage

The primary victims of the conflict in northern Uganda have been children. Children in the region suffer from extremely high rates of death from disease, violence, and starvation. Worse, the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army has abducted over 25,000 children. Over 40,000 more children, avoiding abduction by the rebels, walk three to eight miles every night from unsafe rural refugee camps to sleep in town centers such as Gulu. Called "night commuters", these children are often forced to sleep on the streets before returning home the next morning.

GuluWalks are marches of solidarity with the “night commuters” and child victims of northern Uganda, and seek to demonstrate the arduous trek children in northern Uganda make daily. On October 22nd, 2005 tens of thousands of people in over 40 cities around the world participated in Global GuluWalk Day. It was organized by GuluWalk, Act for Stolen Children, Uganda-CAN, and other advocacy organizations, religious groups, and ordinary citizens. Participants included Betty Bigombe, the chief Ugandan government negotiator to the LRA, and thousands of night commuters themselves in northern Ugandan towns. Global GuluWalk Day was successful in raising awareness about the conflict and putting pressure on world leaders to ignore this crisis no longer (see attached for media coverage of the events). For more information, visit www.guluwalk.com.



WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

What is planned for the 2006 Western New York GuluWalk?
The 2006 Western New York GuluWalk, scheduled for April 8th, will consist of a GuluWalk of approximately three miles followed by a benefit concert. The event will incorporate local vendors and musicians. The money raised will go to both direct aid to victims of the conflict and advocacy organizations working for an end to the war. 50% of the funds will benefit the World Vision Children of War Rehabilitation Center in Gulu, northern Uganda. The remaining 50% will be split evenly between GuluWalk and the Uganda Conflict Action Network (see below).

Who are the organizers?
The Student Alliance for Global Action (SAGA) is an organization that links college and high school students in an effort to raise global awareness in young people. It is based in Western New York and includes students from St. Bonaventure University and area high schools.

The Uganda Conflict Action Network is a transcontinental, grassroots campaign working for peace in northern Uganda. Please visit www.ugandacan.org for more information.

GuluWalk is a Toronto-based organization that pioneered the idea of the GuluWalk and has since been involved in organizing GuluWalks around the world. Please visit www.guluwalk.com for more information.



WNY GuluWalk Coalition homepage

Tonight in northern Uganda, 40,000 children will pick up their sleeping mats and begin a journey in search of a safe place to sleep. On April 8th, 2006 250 people walked in solidarity with the child victims of northern Uganda during a GuluWalk in Buffalo, NY.

The Mayor of Buffalo, Byron Brown, kicked off the event with words of encouragement, saying, "These [children] are not our neighbors in this community, in this country, but these are our neighbors in the world." The event was organized by a coalition of groups including Uganda-CAN, GuluWalk, and several local universities and high schools. After the 5k walk around Delaware Park, the participants watched several bands perform in a benefit concert at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Photo Gallery
News Coverage of WNY GuluWalk Day
Donate

• Download a movie special about the night commuters of northern Uganda produced by Courtney Howard and Aron Cole of the WNY GuluWalk Coalition.


• WNY GuluWalk Day


• What is a GuluWalk?


• Get Involved



• Action Packets/ Additional Resources


• Contact Us