By Owich James
Mega FM, one of the leading radio stations in Northern Uganda has helped dozens of ex-LRA rebels’ fighters to reach out to victims of the atrocities they (rebels) have committed in asking for forgiveness, according to Prof. Grace Akello of Gulu University.
Prof. Akello explained that programs aired on Mega FM that were geared towards peace and reconciliation enabled the former LRA combatants to communicate directly to the victims of their action.
She noted that messages reached those affected adding that they eventually pardoned those who hurt them.
She however, noted that the communities affected by the war were not able to use the radio to tell the individuals who have denounced rebellion that they were forgiven.
According to the professor, participants in numerous research, LRA war victims in Northern Uganda said they let off the anger after the perpetrators asked to be forgiven.
Akello, a professor of medical anthropology has done extensive research on peace, conflict and transitional justice system in Northern Uganda.
She noted that the power of radio in amplifying the voices of war victims and those responsible for the violation of human rights should not be ignored.
