Boom. Boom. We had a very loud bang. It was way back in 1985. I was a small boy of about 6 years, but the events are vivid in my permanent memory. The NRA rebels were slowly consolidating positions, and about to take over the government.
In Munteme village, Hoima district, the guerrillas had taken over the Nyamakeisa valley. Had dug ditches, and set camp. It was a strategic location. The second group has taken over the hilltop. Our village had been tactically taken over by the guerrillas
These guys were strategic. They started giving us security. And became helpful in the middle of the war. They would volunteer to fetch water, bring firewood, etc. And encouraged us to plant, promising that they were on the lookout for us. And indeed they kept us safe. Until one day.
At about 5 pm, we had a loud bang: Boom. Boom. A quiet village was suddenly engulfed in smoke and noise. We had seen them soldiers moving about and talking in small tones. It appears someone had leaked intel to the government forces that our village had visitors. The government forces came for a full-blown wipeout. And that is how the government then, lost touch with the people.
It treated everyone as a rebel and was all bent on erasing the entire village from the map. It’s the rebels that issue instructions to the village — all of you move. Some of us who were so fond of kadogos — the child soldiers — who looked so smart and brilliant holding those big AK 47s, and bullet magazines all over their tiny bodies, were the first to get word. #security #people #events #water To be continued.
