LRA war victims trained on GBV to reduce family conflicts

By Owen Odong

Kitgum, (UG):– Northern-Uganda-based NGO, the War Victims and Children Networking (WVCN) has conducted a comprehensive training on gender-based violence (GBV) and financial management for former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees in Mucwini West and East Sub-counties, Kitgum District in a bid to strengthen family relationships in the region.

The initiative aimed to equip returnees with essential knowledge and skills to handle GBV issues within their households, foster peaceful co-existence, and promote financial stability. The organization, which partners with vulnerable communities and other stakeholders, focuses on addressing psychological distress, promoting livelihoods, and supporting economic empowerment among war-affected populations in Northern Uganda.

During the outreach program, conducted in partnership with the Center for Legal Aid, Transitional Justice, and Development Initiatives (CLITAD), participants engaged in interactive discussions on GBV and financial management. The sessions provided a safe space for victims to share their experiences and receive counselling and guidance.

High Rates of GBV Among War Victims

Lenam Stella Angel, Director of WVCN, highlighted the high prevalence of GBV among war victims in the Acholi region due to the trauma they endured during the war. She stressed the need for government intervention to alleviate poverty and provide access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

“We have decided to reach out to our people because they are still suffering, despite the war ending,” Lenam said. “However, we lack sufficient funds to fully support their healing and reintegration into society.”

She pointed out that many returnees face land disputes and rejection by their relatives after spending years in captivity. These challenges contribute to family conflicts and GBV, necessitating urgent government action.

Call for Government Support

Mark Ogal, Program Director of CLITAD, emphasized the need for continuous efforts to eradicate poverty, improve healthcare, and address GBV. He stressed that empowering war victims with financial and social skills would help reduce their vulnerability.

“Training war victims on GBV and financial management will enable them to link with markets and sell their goods at fair prices,” Ogal noted. “We also want to support them in accessing education and healthcare to enhance their dignity and human rights.”

Ogal encouraged victims to engage in income-generating activities, including farming cash crops, and to form cooperatives to boost economic empowerment and reduce domestic violence.

Aculu Jackline, a resident of Mucwini East Sub-county, shared her personal experience, highlighting how alcohol abuse among men exacerbates GBV and neglect in families. “My partner returns home intoxicated, unable to fulfill his responsibilities,” she said. “These men expect food but do not contribute to household needs.”

Jackline urged local leaders to enact by-laws against alcohol abuse to protect families from its devastating effects.

Exclusion from Government Programs

Lukoya James Allain, Chairperson of War Victims in Mucwini East, expressed concern over war victims being denied access to government programs, which he said worsens their poverty and vulnerability.

“We need the government to listen to our struggles. We are still living in poverty as if we are still in the bush,” James lamented. “Financial stability is key to reducing family conflicts and maintaining respect between partners.”

James also called for more efforts to challenge patriarchal practices that perpetuate GBV and discrimination against women.

Opon Smith, Councilor of Mucwini West Sub-county, lauded the training initiative, noting that it would help improve victims’ livelihoods and reduce violence within families. He urged religious leaders to organize special prayers for war victims and promote social acceptance within communities.

Christine Candiru, President of CLITAD, revealed that 100 war victims received seedlings to support their financial independence. She encouraged recipients to cultivate the seedlings carefully and use the proceeds to pay school fees for their children.

The LRA terrorized northern Uganda for two decades when, in 2006, they indicated an interest in peace negotiations. These were hosted by Juba, Sudan (now South Sudan), and dubbed the Juba Peace Talks.

Meanwhile, the LRA set up camp in Garamba National Park in northeastern Congo, gathering its strength and stockpiling food. There is significant evidence that Kony ordered his fighters to attack villages and abduct children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during the Peace Talks.