Kony 2012. What I know.

Many, if not all of you, are now aware of Invisible Children’s campaign called “Kony 2012” which has spread like wildfire on YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo, creating one of the quickest, if not the quickest, viral videos in our history. The video has staunch supporters and harsh critics alike. Dare I say, much like any topic in our world today?

If you have yet to actually see this video, click here: Kony 2012.

I do not purport myself to be an expert in Northern Uganda, the LRA or Invisible Children. Nor do I claim to be an investigative journalist charged with getting the front page byline, selling the most papers, getting the most hits or beating the other guy to the punch. I’m just me, living in Uganda (southern Uganda, at that). And this is what I know (however, little it may be):

The LRA’s leader Joseph Kony should have been stopped long ago. The list of atrocities he and his organization have engaged in are the worst of the worst. Aside from rape, abduction, maiming and pillaging, the physical and emotional torture he has inflicted upon thousands of children is altogether spine shivering. Imagine watching your brother boiled alive in front of you and then told you are going to eat him (true story). So, Invisible Children’s simple message, Stop Kony, should be agreed upon by everyone!

Yes, Stop Kony, is a simple message. Maybe too simplistic in the minds of many out there, certainly some of the more critical articles I’ve read. Let me take you back to my marketing days at a medical device company. The technology that goes into the devices can be mind-boggling at times. Certainly more complex than anyone, other than the engineers, really ever need know. Yes, the problems Uganda face are more complex than “Stop Kony”, but if you proceed to detail all the issues, how many of you would ever have tuned into the video, let alone watch it all. All I’m saying is that our attention spans are short and our memories are even shorter. Remembered messages are short, sweet, and above all simple!

The truth behind the LRA in Northern Uganda at this moment in time has also been put to question. No, Joseph Kony is not here in Uganda and has not been active here for some time. He’s moved on, under pressure, to other countries. Northern Uganda is relatively peaceful aside from land disputes as the Acholi people are being restored to their homeland.

The LRA is also not operating at the same level it was during their reign of terror in the 90s. Abductions are slowing, killings are fewer, raids on villages seem to be for food, which leads some to believe that the LRA is a dying organization better left to simply die out on it’s own. To that I say, where is justice? Should Kony not face the consequences just because he’s not killing and abducting as many children as he was before? Invisible Children made a promise to young Jacob all those years ago, and they continue to honor it. That is integrity in a world where too many sit idly by tearing down those who would try, complain it’s too hard, and become apathetic.

Uganda faces many troubles, from a corrupt government, a military force that has terrorized the very people they were to protect, “nodding” disease, HIV/AIDS, etc. And Uganda children are not alone in their mistreatment. The LRA does not hold the copyright on Child soldiers. It’s happening now in other countries all over the world. These are all “arguments” I’ve heard from critics of the Kony 2012 video. As if Invisible Children should be advocating for ALL the problems and ALL the countries in the world. The mark of any good department, mission statement or charity is specificity. Be specific in your mission, your goals and you will reach them. How can anyone criticize Invisible Children for staying true to their mission? Hey you critics, why don’t you pick up a banner, create a charity, and follow the founders of Invisible Children’s lead. I’m sure these other causes would love your support!

There’s more I could say, but frankly, this blog is definitely not short and sweet!

Sometimes action is simply clicking “like” or sharing a video. Sometimes something stirs in our hearts urging us to financial giving. And sometimes, the cry of your heart is so loud it cannot be assuaged by anything other than jumping into a ministry or starting your own. The point is, you’ve taken action. Your voice is being heard. Let us never find ourselves in an apathy chair, sitting back writing critiques of those who would act.

A few other resources for you.. (Note: my views and opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily the views or opinions of these organizations listed below.)

Africa Arise: www.africaarise.ca

To restore justice and righteousness to the orphan, the widow and the poor in Africa. Serving in the Acholi Quarter near Kampala. (The Acholi people were the most affected by the LRA in Northern Uganda).

Invisible Children: www.invisiblechildren.com

Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.

The below was added approx 6 hours after original post.

Interesting information to read if you want more:
The LRA Crisis Tracker by Invisible Children + Resolve
Interview with one of the Kony 2012 Video Creators
Invisible Children answers the hard questions