I Was Abducted Aged 10 & Forced To Fight In War | Minutes With

In this episode of Minutes With, we had the privilege of sitting down with the inspirational Innocent Opwonya, a former child soldier from Uganda. Abducted at the age of 10, Innocent was forced to join Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army. He shares the harrowing events of his abduction, his indoctrination into the group, being given his first weapon and the brutal beatings by the soldiers.
After escaping and managing to build a life in Germany for himself, Innocent now works connecting young people from Northern Uganda with sponsors, and runs a local football club in Hulu called the Blue Zone. It brings mostly unemployed youths together, facilitates matches and monthly support for them and their families.
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[@dogwithnobones906]

BEST QUOTE: "if we can afford to hate, I'm sure we can afford to love three times more 'cause hate carries a lot of weight. You really need to have a lot of... It lives in you and it is always bothering you, but love doesn't cost a thing." - Innocent Opwonya Words to live by

[@kazkk2321]

Hate need not be more exhausting than love. Love has its value but on the large scale it can be a problem. Love and hate must go together and be constantly controlled

[@TheInquisitionOfMan]

@@kazkk2321while I don’t disagree with you this probably isn’t the time or place for the truth bro.

[@roinretrospect8388]

Amen 🙏🏾❤️

[@pri.sci.lla.]

I am in awe of this man’s strength. Even after all he has been through, he is still a kind and respectful man. I know his family is proud of him 🫶🏼

[@Luke-dj2tk]

A lad who was posted into my Squadron in the British Army was from Rwanda. Another tribe stormed his village and his parents were killed in front of him. He was 5 at the time and ran for miles until a charity picked him up. He was brought to the uk and was adopted by a family. He joined the British Army years later when he was 22. I couldn’t believe his life story when he was sat telling me. This reminded me of him. What an incredible interview from Lad Bible.

[@stephaniedare]

Oh that is so heart breaking 💔

[@dadon3455]

@@stephaniedareI really do take my life and family for granted 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@zimpetrichor4919]

What a great man. Humanity can learn so much from him and his story.

[@NoelleBelle06]

If only humanity was teachable

[@liammortimer8602]

Strongest man ive ever heard speak, articulate and rich in emotions. World needs men like this thank you opwanya

[@Pyongyang99]

It’s an inspiration to see a man like this go through some of the worst trauma I’ve ever heard as a child and be such a smart, articulate well adjusted adult. Incredible man incredible life story

[@3708scrumpy]

Heartbreaking story but how he has turned his life around and now helping other children to change theirs... inspirational.

[@Saaldiener]

He came from a good family and I think that that is what helped him. God Bless.

[@zoeykeller9083]

Him looking back and turning it to a positive of what he went through shows how mentally tough and strong he is. All the power to you, Innocent!

[@Summer09824]

I read a book in high school about a child solider in Uganda. It was the saddest, most horrific book. The author was eventually rescued but described the rehabilitation centres for teenage boys and the affects of the war and killing was so destructive to their psyches 😢

[@SD-wf9xq]

Do you remember the name please?

[@wesleykim1758]

​@@SD-wf9xqNot the book mentioned, but there is a book called "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah who was a child soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war. Very similar situation, though I guess this kind of stuff is just par for the course for children living on that continent, absolutely horrific

[@savanahcurrie9176]

@@wesleykim1758best book I’ve ever read, i think i read it in middle school. Horrifying

[@MithridatesIX]

Was it called War Brothers? I remember reading that book in the Middle School library.

[@moritzlaszlo3115]

Impressive to see that he still has quite the positive vibe to him. I'm glad that he shared his story.

[@JustAFace_InTheCrowd]

30:15 This statement, to the very last word he says before the video ends. Omg, no one could have said that any better. Ever. This man is an absolutely beautiful and strong person- I hope only the best for him and his family. Sir, thank you for being the change you wanted to see in this world- coming from someone with such hardships as you have had, it’s truly inspiring. Not everyone is capable of understanding what happened to you, but know there are people out there who forgave you for what you had to do before you even had to do it. It wasn’t your fault. ❤

[@NoelleBelle06]

Children are children and are born innocent!!! Yes!! ❤❤❤ in every part of this world we must protect children! ❤

[@FreyjaRKim]

It's kind of crazy that as soon as I saw the title, I knew it was going to be about Kony. Back in the 2010s, there was an online movement to raise awareness about the Invisible Children, the term they used to call the child soldiers. For some time, I forgot about it and sometimes I questioned if it was even real, but indeed it was.

[@Velereonics]

part of why you questioned if it was real is because the marketing for the movie about kony was really strange and made it look like a presidential campaign, and also the creator of that film basically overworked himself and underslept and had a mental breakdown and it just kind of like caused this weird effect where no one knew anything about the movie itself because they just knew about this insane guy who was like running around naked in the streets yelling. But he saw horrible stuff and then he was really focused on making this movie and then he just neglected his own well-being to the point where he kind of lost it and he recovered and he's fine but it is just like a funny thing that a lot of people say exactly what you said

[@thesalmonorchestra651]

I don’t really blame you, Kony 2012 generated a huge amount of online attention, but very very little actually came of it

[@FreyjaRKim]

@@Velereonics Yeah, I agree. I think part of it was the way online campaign back then. It was just a very different time for internet.

[@abangsarchive8761]

Wow, Beautiful storz, he is from my hometown and can relate so much with his childhood memories, the whole Acholi Children in that period are proud of you. Thanks ver much for telling our stories to the world.

[@kazkk2321]

I’m very sorry that this has to happen. I would not want to go through this. This is traumatizing

[@chloeclingerman9883]

I was in tears through so much of this. What an AMAZING man!!!! What strength, courage, the way he cares for the children still in need.. his FAITH ❤️ whew! Loved this one/ thanks for posting

[@mm1k3y]

Those Kony documentaries that were viral in 2012 changed my life. These stories still change my life. What an inspiration this man is.

[@Velereonics]

he uses so much distancing language around his dad dying he's like still avoiding trying to talk about it. He does say it, but his brain is like fighting against actually saying it out loud in one concise thought, meandering around the reality as long as possible and not directly facing it.

[@cardelljoseph8125]

I think it was so traumatic he can't help but still disassociate all these years later...

[@andestriping]

One of the best and most inspiring and respectful interview. Respect.

[@korneliusparker536]

What an amazing human being. I wish him and his family all the best

[@richardevans1118]

Wow. The strength of the man is awe inspiring.

[@matthewsill-ei5gf]

This reminds me of the film beasts of no nation. What an incredible story to be able to say you survived that kind of thing happening to you he should be proud of himself for being who he is now after coming from that madness

[@fefe1179]

Having a “rough” night. Cant sleep so this is what I’m going to watch to humble me. 🙏🏾 Grand Early Rising everyone 💗

[@dylanrichardson7235]

This dude has extreme levels of intelligence fair play to him

[@Sb81022]

Kony was a peice of work to say the least heard some scary things he use to do Credit to this man tho real strong and sat here today well spoken covered in scars but still made it to tell his story

[@ulrichmachtle4864]

what a life, and a man he became.... I like him a lot.

[@elSveno1995]

One of the most heartbreaking yet even more so inspiering things I have ever heard. This man is the strongest and dearest person I have ever listened to. Keep on telling your story cause it needs to be heard! With a good heart and a clear mind and strong will you can change the world and make the most out of the years that are given to you. Keep your loved ones close and keep on going! You are the greatest!

[@Giantist]

I have huge respect for this man, appreciate hearing his story and over the moon he is doing well and pursuing this mission by sharing his story

[@lewisfruen5648]

20:40 He is so strong, God bless this man, happy you still got your mom! Wish him peace and happiness for the rest of his days

[@am-1387]

Powerfully interview! I really enjoyed hearing his story and I empathise with him❤️

[@christerknutsen8031]

What an inspiration. Really makes you rethink what you are unhappy with in life. Thanks for sharing, and you should feel proud of how you have become, we are all proud of you.

[@jamesharrington5918]

So inspirational. I’m so happy you are the person you have become. Hats off to you 🫡

[@KayosHybrid]

I wish you can find comfort and peace for your life now, Mr Opwonya, you’ve certainly endured plenty. Thank you for sharing your story

[@ashm5459]

Wow - this one really touched me. What an amazing, inspiring, brave and humble man. What he has been through and to come out the other side - just awe inspiring. May God Bless you and your family ❤

[@xXAfroFuryXx]

This sent shivers down my spine. This is an amazing man with an amazing spirit.

[@zureyaodula5348]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@NoelleBelle06]

Your amazing Innocence! Thank you for sharing your story! Your light! ❤

[@aroundtheworldaly]

I hope he continues to live a happy, fulfilled, blessed life and his dedication and story helps many more children who need it.

[@JG88983]

Damn, haven't heard anything about Kony since 2012 and thought it all was some kind of scam.

[@sophiesmith6498]

Another incredible documentary, thank you LadBible and this incredible gentleman for sharing his story. It is just unthinkable that these things happen, and someone can pull through this

[@Just4womenafrica]

This is a really beautiful interview.. I am happy he got his life back on track.

[@Caitrovih]

What an amazing human. Incredible interview.

[@kirah2602]

What a incredibly brave and smart man. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ulthea]

Love his beautiful attitude, thanks for sharing!

[@moms8450]

Thank you for sharing your journey, sir. Sending love your way. 🩵

[@TheCatBilbo]

The most dangerous thing in the World is a child with a gun who has been brought up to kill - absolutely right. Without conscience & empathy we become killer robots. It's a terrible tragedy.

[@jamessmith84240]

I never considered the idea that war could go so low as to have children fighting it. My heart goes out to this guy for what happened to his father. It's a sick world we live it.

[@nadiabarrett5195]

thanks for telling the important stories in this series

[@strbst2075]

How doesn’t this have more views

[@Wayout506]

I don’t know what to feel. Such an amazing and incredible person… I just want to wish you all the best!! ✌🏻 and much ❤ to you brother!

[@tint1122]

Thanks for sharing you story. Incredible

[@luke-ti3fu]

What strength of character. Inspirational.

[@michelleatala7989]

Very scary for using kids

[@robertzio]

You are an inspiration my brother.

[@vl3525]

Beautiful mindset ❤

[@mynameisharsha]

This man is amazing!

[@TheReddances]

A very affecting interview. Should be widely seen. I'm posting the link.

[@stephaniedare]

Yes, so distressing to listen to but his story needs to be heard

[@aledgriffiths3969]

what a great story, so happy for him now. great talker, great human. Wish him the best life with his family

[@smiler3418]

Im so sorry what happened to you ,i hope you have a good life. god bless you ❤

[@Evie3331]

What a beautiful human being, so much respect for his acceptance of what was done to him and to use it for good ❤️✌️

[@Maggot_infestedd]

What a strong human.

[@mandybon04]

What a truly good guy he is.

[@Sam-es2gf]

Incredible man.

[@jurmoja]

Everyone that grew up in Uganda in the 80's - 90's played war games rebel vs government! Sadly many young abducted young soldiers that were returned died young by taking their lives, I went to a school with many former money soldiers but sadly many have died!

[@WatchKek]

What a great guest.

[@meltcat15]

What a beautiful soul ❤

[@adamschannelofallsorts2190]

I hope you live long and prosper my friend sorry to here you lost your father god rest his sole……..I hope you get Justice one day

[@barrahart]

I dream of a brighter future for my continent.

[@terryjohnson5579]

God's the strength of character the intelligence it takes to survive things like this. It's good to see him living a decent life now praise to you good sir and maybe you never have to fight again.

[@Q................]

Good man.❤

[@ramonaleona4119]

What a beautiful human

[@glizzzerd]

Powerful video

[@NoelleBelle06]

My heart breaks for all the violence and hatred that is going on in this world.

[@patmassey89]

Amazing guy.

[@elizabethbower1659]

Omg I remember working on this in college. I remember the red wrist band I had with my serial number.

[@Shericonyers]

So sad… humans are the only true animals we are so wrong in the way we greet one another in one form or another… so happy to hear his story and how he turned an ugly into a beautiful light

[@shirinsadr220]

This guy is amazing

[@kolis_lady]

The intro alone: that is so scary! The kids!😕

[@lewisfruen5648]

Terrible that this is still happening, our nations should do more to help save child soldiers

[@monzorella1]

Wow what a beautiful wonderful man. ♥️😭

[@matthewhartas7259]

Amazing guy 🙂👍

[@magnet215]

Teach children love

[@cmmmmm9090]

My father was in the British army as a gunner and he got deployed to seirre leone during the civil war where the paramilitary group the west side boys used child soldiers and they would make the kids take class A drugs such as cocaine or Heroin so they would practically be zombies holding AK-47’s but he never tells me much about what he saw or what happened at the places he was deployed

[@hongsamwine]

I always wondered what’s it like to be the most satisfied person on earth. I mean, we can’t confirm if he’s the most satisfied, but I think it’s people who went through tough shit and still able to come out victorious with the ability to love, like him, that truly understand what a happy life constitutes.

[@NoelleBelle06]

I love him! ❤

[@GrooveGazelle]

Reminds of Ishmael Beah Sierra Leonean author and human rights activist story "A Long Way Gone." Also another book called "The bite of the Mango" that one is not for the faint of heart. Amazing stories.

[@SuperKendoman]

We maybe in different countries but all we can do is survive despite the rich playing games of war with each other for power and money.

[@cedricdavis513]

Hes got a great head on his shoulders

[@dannyhalemba]

Look at the movie (Beast Of No Nation), its about child soldiers in Africa, Its very good and great actors. The movie is about what he actually explain. Really sad..

[@IAmWBeard]

Damn he got ALL THAT history and insight from being with them for less than half a year??? Crazy. I thought he was with them for years.

[@kevinuntainted1547]

Reminds me of the movie beasts of no nation featuring Idris alba

[@calumleggett8292]

God bless sam childers

[@LivegoodWilliam]

It makes you think, some of the refugees that try and come to our country are guys like him who are trying to escape some bullshit war. i always try and put myself in other peoples shoes. If we had the same situation here. how many would try and get across the channel to France? Most of us i think

[@jamesstuart537]

Bro u are a soulja 4 months and u escaped thinking about good my guy x

[@raymond9091]

😢

[@lewisfruen5648]

😢 Evil, they killed his father like nothing

[@abasudoh7459]

Anyone seen the movie "Beasts of No Nation" with Idris Elba?

[@flyingliverp00l1]

❤

[@BreeWanjiru-lu3lx]

THANK YOU FOR TELLING US

[@BreeWanjiru-lu3lx]

Which God 😭