LRA war victim finds solace in smoking dried human feces to cope with trauma

Gulu, Uganda: In a harrowing reflection of the deep wounds left by decades of conflict in northern Uganda, survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency are turning to dangerous and unconventional methods, including smoking dried human feces, to cope with trauma.

Kidega Geoffrey, 41, a resident of Olwal Lacaro in Amuru District (name changed for protection), recounted how he adopted this practice while still in captivity. Kidega was abducted as a teenager, spent nearly ten years with the rebels, and was forced to kill twice with a panga.

He shared that initially, smoking dried feces was a difficult habit to adopt. However, haunted by nightmares of the atrocities he was forced to commit, he felt compelled to find relief. As a result, he began smoking dried feces three times a day, a practice he’s continued for 9 years..

“Initially, it was almost impossible to do,” he said in an interview with DailyExpress. “But every night, I was haunted by screams and memories. Smoking dried feces became the only way I could find relief.”

For nine years, Kidega has smoked three times a day, including before bedtime, to blunt the flashbacks. But the habit has compounded his suffering; he now struggles with respiratory complications, stigma, and a sense of helplessness.

His father, who also asked not to be named, spoke with quiet anguish. “Every day, I watch my son crying in pain. We tried hospitals, but nothing lasted. We know it’s harmful, but it calms him. We are pleading with the government to come to our rescue.”

“Every day, I’m met with my son’s tears, filled with pain and suffering. As a father, it’s devastating to feel helpless. I long to provide him with the best medical care, but financial constraints have left us with limited options.

The father said he knows the risks associated with smoking dried feces, but for relief, he feels it’s the only current option to ease his son’s suffering. He called on the government to provide critical support and resources to address the deep-seated trauma experienced by victims of the conflict in northern Uganda.

Acholi sub-region of Uganda bears deep scars from decades of conflict with the Lord’s Resistance Army, leaving a lasting legacy of trauma. This trauma manifests in various forms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health issues that affect not only individuals but entire communities, perpetuating a cycle of pain and suffering

Bruno Atyang, Principal Psychiatric Officer and Head of the Mental Health Unit at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, stated that although there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that dry feces aid in trauma healing, he recommends seeking professional help for a thorough treatment to facilitate Kidega’s recovery.

“The mind is a delicate canvas, and trauma leaves lasting scars that can alter our very being. True healing requires gentle, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Let’s focus on nurturing minds, fostering hope, and guiding individuals toward recovery, rather than experimenting with unproven remedies.”

Currently, Atyang notes, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital registers between 650 and 1,000 mental health cases monthly, yet the mental services remain inadequate.

Francis Nono, the coordinator of transitional policy under the Refugee Law Project, notes that recent USAID funding cuts have affected Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in providing trauma counseling and treatment to victims. “The loss of [USAID] funding [is] putting the lives of the trauma patients at risk,” he adds.

Dr. Samuel Odongara, Assistant Nursing Officer in charge of the TB ward at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, highlights the numerous health risks associated with smoking.

“Smoking is a ticking time bomb for your health, unleashing a toxic cocktail of chemicals that can ravage your lungs, damage your brain cells, and even spark cancer – so breathe wisely, for a healthier tomorrow,” he adds

He also cautions against the prolonged use of unconventional substances, such as smoking dry feces, which can lead to adverse health effects. Dr. Odongara urges individuals to seek mental health professional help from a reputable health facility.

But Joel Innocent Odokony, a transitional justice expert in Gulu City, argues that many locals can’t afford mental health services.

He advocates for enacting national transitional justice into a law to where all war-affected people are able to receive mental health treatment in northern Uganda. He notes that current trauma counseling services are limited, reaching only a few, and are often insufficient.

Meanwhile, as leaders and experts in northern Uganda push for the Transitional Justice law, Stella Lanam Angel, the Director of War Victims and Children Networking, appealed to government to build a rehabilitation centre in all the regions affected by the war to help in reducing the cases of trauma among the victims in Uganda.

“Further delays in passing the transitional justice policy could push victims to the brink, potentially leading to increased suicidal thoughts due to lost hope. The community is already grappling with poverty and rising crime rates, compounding the sense of desperation,” says Lanam, whose office has managed more than 1000 trauma cases among victims in the last five months.

Hon. Father Onen, Member of Parliament for Pece Laroo in Gulu City, states that the Transitional Justice Policy draft is ready for parliamentary review, pending a certificate from the Ministry of Finance. This step is crucial to ensure the protection and voices of victims are heard.

Uganda’s National Transitional Justice Policy (NTJP), adopted in 2019, aims to address trauma and tackle the aftermath of past conflicts and human rights abuses. The policy seeks to boost accountability, promote reconciliation, facilitate social reintegration, and enhance peace and security.

“I urge all victims to remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity,” he said. “We acknowledge the unimaginable hardships you’ve endured, and we’re committed to ensuring justice is served, not only for your healing but also for your empowerment and independence, he adds

The ICC announced recently that it would award €52.4 million to approximately 50,000 victims. Under the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), to implement the reparations process, which includes individual and collective reparations, such as psychological assistance to war-affected people in northern Uganda.

“As for me, I still don’t know where my hope will come from because right now, my only solace is smoking dry feces, and I’m waiting for any program that will address our problems, like transitional justice for victims.”