Reintegration of Former Girl Soldiers of the Lord's Resistance Army back into their communities in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Armed conflict always comes with consequences during and after the conflict, and these are mainly experienced by women and children. This study focuses on exploring the reintegration experiences of former girl soldiers (FGS) of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the northern district of Pader, Uganda, following the 2006 ceasefire in the insurgency. The post-conflict reintegration of these girls through various mechanisms had a bearing on their eventual productivity and the sustainability of their life style in the community. This study investigates the current social reality of the FGS with the objective of determining how well they have adapted to civilian life after the conflict, the skills they acquired, and what lessons were learned from the reintegration programmes. Using a case study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with the FGS, as the prime study participants, as well as with key informants through focus groups. A case study allows for the use of multiple data-collection tools to study and analyse a situation over a confined period of time. Qualitative research data allows the researcher to present and discuss how individuals interact, experience, interpret, and are affected by the situation they are faced with. Qualitative methods support researchers in acquiring narratives that aid in forming an understanding of multifaceted contexts. In line with the interpretivist paradigm of seeking to understand human experiences, the FGS’ responses revealed their unique perspectives and the new social realities that they are facing. The study results revealed that FGS face major challenges related to basic living conditions and a potential decline in both physical and mental health. Furthermore, the findings showed that there is a need to re-evaluate the actual social, economic, and mental benefits to FGS presented by existing reintegration programmes, as these tend to take a one-size-fits-all approach that does not consider unique experiences and needs. A back-to-the-roots system that identifies and prioritises the challenges faced by FGS is needed. It is recommended that a census of all FGS in the areas that were affected by the LRA conflict in Uganda should be undertaken; this census can then guide policymakers in addressing the current social reality

of the FGS. Furthermore, a parish development model (PDM) should be introduced in the areas inhabited by the FGS. The census data would then be used to identify the FGS at parish level and incorporate them into the PDM as a vulnerable group. The PDM is based on a needs assessment at grassroots level to determine best practices in agriculture. The model is not imposed on people; rather, all its projects are driven and steered by the community members. This ensures more accountability, a sense of belonging, and ownership of any project that is undertaken. The PDM has the capacity to transform the lives of FGS so that they achieve surplus-producing households. This will have a ripple effect on the health, wealth, psychological well-being, and happiness of the FGS and their communities.