ABOUT 250,000 children from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi have been massacred in wars, the World Vision country director, said last week, reports Dennis Ojwee.

About 100,000 children witnessed the massacre of their parents since the Rwanda genocide in 1992, Mr. Robby Muhumuza stated in a speech read by Mr. Geoffrey Kalebbo.

At least 20,000 are child soldiers since mid last year, he said while launching a book, 'Peace and reconciliation for the children of war, healing the wounds in Northern Uganda' at Acholi Inn in Gulu.

The book states that by November this year, 5,726 children, 766 of whom girls had passed through the World Vision trauma and counselling centre in Gulu. The book tells the story of the life of children living in difficult war circumstances.

"In launching this book, World Vision celebrates the wonderful partnership with the government of Uganda, the local governments of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader and donors," he said.

He said the book shows the experiences of thousands of children still in captivity, as well as hundreds of people who have been displaced from their homes by the war in northern Uganda.

The author, Peter McIntyre, in his letter to the people of Uganda, stated that the book aims at creating awareness on the war in northern Uganda.

"I hope this book will play some small part in increasing, understanding the conflict' in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader," he said.