The audience listened attentively to the brief but powerful deliveries that consisted of an overview of the gravity of the situation, personal experiences in Uganda,  multimedia presentations, a new strategy paper's proposal (see The Answer to the Lord's Resistance Army), and a conclusion stressing the ability of the audience to act. Poffenberger, from Resolve Uganda, addressed the need for a change, not only in perspective to view the LRA Conflict as a more than just tragedy, but more importantly a change in policy and the impact of that change.  Prendergast explained why U.S. diplomacy is so crucial at this phase in the Juba peace talks, citing the fact that the U.S. wields significant leverage considering their position on the UN Security Council and their role as a key donor and political ally to Uganda.

The negotiations in Juba, including a ceasefire agreement, have allowed for some of the 1.8 million displaced individuals to return to their communities to begin the process of recovery. U.S. support would further legitimize and strengthen these efforts.  Successful resolution in Uganda would introduce an element of peace into the Great Lakes Region, which is imperative for closure in other conflicts like those in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  For more information on what you can do to help change policy and for updates on the conflict, please visit http://www.ugandacan.org and http://www.enoughproject.org.