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Joseph Kony

Joseph Kony is a Ugandan militant and warlord who founded and led the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joseph Kony is a Ugandan militant and warlord who founded and led the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He became internationally known for leading an insurgency in northern Uganda and for International Criminal Court charges alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. He has remained at large for years and is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

Background

Joseph Kony was born in September 1961 in Uganda and is described as an Acholi national. He became the leader of the LRA, a rebel group formed in northern Uganda in the late 1980s.

Lord’s Resistance Army

The LRA fought against the Ugandan government and carried out attacks in Uganda and other countries in the region. It became notorious for atrocities against civilians, especially the abduction and abuse of children.

International Criminal Court case

In 2005, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Kony and other LRA leaders. The charges included crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in northern Uganda.

Status and legacy

Kony has remained one of the most wanted figures linked to African armed conflict. His case is widely cited in discussions of child soldiers, mass abduction, and international criminal justice.

Key facts

  • Joseph Kony is the alleged founder and leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
  • The LRA emerged in northern Uganda in 1987 and later operated in neighbouring countries.
  • The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Kony in 2005.
  • ICC charges include crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, enslavement, sexual violence, and recruiting child soldiers.
  • Kony has evaded capture for many years and his location has remained uncertain.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Joseph Kony through international news coverage, human-rights reporting, and the global campaign around the LRA and child soldiers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joseph Kony?
He is a Ugandan militant and warlord known as the founder and leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army.
What is Joseph Kony accused of?
He is accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, enslavement, sexual violence, and recruiting child soldiers.
What is the Lord’s Resistance Army?
The LRA is a Ugandan rebel group that emerged in the late 1980s and carried out attacks in Uganda and neighbouring countries.
Was Joseph Kony arrested?
No public source in the provided results says he has been arrested; the sources describe him as still wanted and at large.
When did the ICC issue a warrant for Kony?
The ICC issued an arrest warrant in 2005.
Why is Joseph Kony notable internationally?
He became internationally known for leading the LRA and for being wanted by the ICC for serious alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Kony
    Supports: Biography, nationality, leadership of the LRA, and general background.
  2. United Nations Security Council — https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/2745/materials/summaries/individual/joseph-kony
    Supports: ICC warrant status and charges summary.
  3. International Criminal Court — https://www.icc-cpi.int/uganda/kony/information-on-the-kony-case
    Supports: Birth month/year, nationality, ethnicity, LRA founding, and case details.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-17299084
    Supports: Public profile, abductions, regional conflict, and long-term evasion of capture.
  5. Human Rights Watch — https://www.hrw.org/topic/international-justice/joseph-kony-lra
    Supports: LRA atrocities, child abductions, and ICC arrest warrants.