I would say in the chapter 1985. A group of armed men order them to sit down and put their hands on their heads and everyone quickly obeys. One man walks up to Uncle. Salva can see his Nuer scars. The man asks if he is with the rebels and Uncle says no, that they are just going to the refugee camp.
The men tie Uncle to a tree and then start looking through the group’s possessions. Salva trembles but for the first time is happy he is so small, as no one will take his clothes. The men pick up Uncle’s gun.
Salva thinks they might leave since they robbed everyone. He hears the men laugh at Uncle, and three shots ring out. The men run away.
Salva's uncle was everything to him: family, protection, love, hope