World Vision workers survived an attack by rebels from the Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on June 21, but tightened security precautions as rebels appear to be moving from southern Sudan back into Uganda. The LRA is has spearheaded a 16-year organized rebellion against the Ugandan government, hoping to establish a government based on the 10 Commandments. Meanwhile, Ugandan soldiers rescued 90 women and children from fleeing LRA soldiers June 13. Since the civil war began, LRA rebels have abducted tens of thousands of women and children, whom they then use as concubines or soldiers.

World Vision will care for 27 children and 28 women, as well as three men who were formerly members of the LRA, at its “Children of War” rehabilitation centers in Gulu and Pader. There World Vision staff will provide health care, help them find their families and offer them psychological counseling before returning them to their homes. In spite of the attack, World Vision will also continue its food security, nutrition, early childhood development, peace and reconciliation and community development programs.

“Seeing these people was heart-rending for me. The women are emaciated and the babies are malnourished,“ said Charles Watmon, coordinator of World Vision’s rehabilitation center in Gulu. “We will continue to help them even as we pray that the violence comes to an end.”

World Vision has helped more than 5,500 former abductees, most of whom are still children, successfully resettle in their communities.