Born: 1946, Uganda
Died: NA
Country most active: Uganda
Also known as: Angelina Acheng
Angelina Acheng Atyam is a renowned Ugandan human rights activist and midwife recognized for her tireless efforts in advocating for abducted children and promoting forgiveness. In 1996, Atyam’s daughter was among 139 girls kidnapped by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). In response, Atyam founded the Concerned Parents Association, serving as its spokesperson and traveling globally to raise awareness and seek support for the release of the captive children.
Despite facing challenges, Atyam’s persistence and advocacy garnered international attention, leading to her being awarded the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1998. Atyam’s dedication to reconciliation extended to her personal life when she sought out the family of the LRA commander holding her daughter captive and delivered a message of forgiveness.
Atyam’s messages of forgiveness and opposition to a purely military solution resonated, emphasizing the plight of child soldiers within the LRA. Her influential contacts included Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the Sudanese government, and even the First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton. Atyam’s efforts contributed to the adoption of a U.S. Congressional resolution condemning the abduction of Ugandan children.
In 2004, Atyam was reunited with her daughter, who had escaped from the LRA with her two children. Despite her retirement, Atyam’s legacy endures, emphasizing forgiveness and advocating for a holistic approach to address the complex issues surrounding child soldiers in conflict zones. She continues to reside in northern Uganda, leaving an indelible mark on human rights and forgiveness advocacy.