[3] Ombaci, in the local Lugbara language, loosely translated, means "enmity exists", a reference to past conflicts in the area.

[4] In April 1979, Idi Amin Dada was toppled from power by the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) and the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA).

[4][5] On Wednesday, 24 June 1981, six months into the second reign of Apollo Milton Obote, UNLA soldiers arrived at the Ombaci Catholic Mission and adjoining secondary school.

They began to indiscriminately kill civilians, women, children and the elderly; by shooting, bludgeoning, stabbing, lancing, stomping, kicking and exploding ordinance (rocket propelled grenades).

[4] A large number of survivors, estimated at about 400 were still alive in May 2019, living with physical and mental injuries as a result of the assault.