1. Lord’s resistance army: Origins, objectives, and doctrines
By: Aime Sankoh

2. Background
Socioeconomic divide between the north and south of Uganda since independence in 1962
Northern, Acholi leaders governed Uganda until 1986 when President Obote was overthrown by National Resistance Army
Acholi people feared being targets of retribution

3. Origins Formed in 1987 by Joseph Kony
Emerged in response to President Museveni’s (southerner) control of the government
Continuation of the Holy Spirit Movement
Collection of fighters from HSM, Uganda People’s Defense Army, and other rebellion factions

4. Objectives
LRA controlled, theocratic government in Uganda based on the Ten Commandments
Purified Acholi society, Acholi must be cleansed in order to save them
Control of the Acholi people. Tactics rely mostly on fear and violence

5. Doctrines
Christianity: Ten Commandments, Kony is a prophet sent from God , LRA teachers are spreading God’s message
Islam: No working on Fridays, periods of fasting coinciding with Ramadan, and bowing your head during prayer
Acholi-based traditions: Aimed at finding the solution to a troubled moral order