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1986 Soon after seizing power in a coup, Uganda's president Yoweri Museveni faced rebellion from several armed groups in Northern Uganda, including the Holy Spirit Movement. 1987 The Holy Spirit Movement dwindled when its leader Alice Lakwena fled Uganda to seek refuge in neighboring Kenya. Joseph Kony, a member of the movement formed what would become known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) from the group's remnants. 1988 Dominic Ongwen was abducted on his way to school by the LRA. March 1999 Uganda signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 2002 Ugandan government launched a major military offensive against the LRA. September 2003 According to the Office of the Prosecutor, Mr. Ongwen became part of the “Control Altar,” the central command of the LRA, and was appointed second in command of the Sinia Brigade. December 2003 Uganda referred the situation to the ICC: the first situation referred to the Court. July 2004 The ICC began investigating the Uganda situation. July 2005 The ICC issued a warrant of arrest for five leaders of the LRA, including Mr. Ongwen. October 2005 The warrant of arrest was unsealed. January 2015 Mr. Ongwen surrendered himself to United States forces in the Central African Republic who were working alongside the Ugandan army. July 2016 The ICC rejected requests to hold opening statements in northern Uganda, citing security concerns and the workload of the judges hearing the case.
