Lakot's Story | International Justice Mission shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt twitter video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love

LIMITED-TIME MATCH! Your gift doubles in impact to help send rescue and restore more lives.

give now.

Back to Stories

Lakot's Story

Share
22 C4 hero

“My resolve to fight never wavered.” –LAKOT

Your support helps protect widows and their children from violence.

How long would you hold out for justice? How long would you work to secure a future for your children? Lakot’s story is one of great perseverance in the face of hardship, threats and violence.

At 17, newly married Lakot and her husband were forced to flee their farm in northern Uganda as the Lord’s Resistance Army spread violence and death. The couple lived in a camp for internally displaced persons for 14 years and raised four children there.

Lakot’s marriage was strong, but her husband died in 2008, just one year before Lakot was able to realize their dream of returning home. When she arrived, Lakot discovered that a neighbor had claimed the land as his own.

In many parts of the world, women like Lakot are vulnerable to violence and intimidation. Your support helps IJM defend them.

Lakot asked him to stop farming on her land. Instead, he attacked her. When she stood up for herself, he threatened to kill her with his panga, a large cutting tool. The local council ruled in Lakot’s favor, but the neighbor continued his trespassing and threats. Another court turned her away. Then local leaders referred Lakot’s case to IJM.

By that time, Lakot had been living with the violence of her neighbor for nearly four years. And sadly, the case was nowhere near over. Due to the many tricks and delays of the neighbor, it took another seven years and an incredible amount of perseverance for Lakot to fully regain possession of her home.

Thanks to the support of people like you, IJM was there to counsel and encourage Lakot. “Their constant home visits strengthened me emotionally, making me feel loved, and protected me from further victimization,” she says. She was also strengthened by her determination to leave her children a secure future in their home. “My children will be left to strive in this world after I die, so my resolve to fight never wavered.”

When justice takes years, most survivors don’t have the resources to fight alone, but your gifts mean IJM can be there—no matter how long it takes.

In many parts of Africa, widows like Lakot are vulnerable to land theft, part of the larger worldwide problem of violence against women and children. But because you care, IJM teams in Uganda are able to walk with survivors on their journey to justice and help local justice systems respond more effectively. Together we’re making great strides!

Because Lakot and IJM would not give up, Lakot and her children can feel safe in their home again. And because IJM supporters like you won’t give up, more people every year are rescued and protected from violence. Will you make a gift today to help someone like Lakot?

You might also be interested in…

see more

Media Contact

We're here to answer your questions. Please fill out the form below and someone from our team will follow up with you soon.

More Information

Petra Kooman

Director of Marketing and Public Relations
pkooman@ijm.ca
519.679.5030 x.229

Make an Impact

Your skills, talents, and ideas are a force for change. From birthday parties to polar dips, your fundraising campaign can stop the violence.

Learn More

Thank you for signing up to learn more about starting a fundraiser. We will be in touch soon!

In the meantime, please take a look at our free guide: 25 Tips for the Novice Fundraiser.

Need Help?

Need more information?
We're here to help.
Contact us at events@ijm.ca

Test

Test