Gulu, Uganda: A new trauma healing and empowerment program targeting at least 1,000 war survivors in Acholi sub-region is set to be rolled out by War Victims and Children Networking in partnership with Humura Health and Sisters of the Holy Cross Justice and Peace Rehabilitation Centre.
The initiative aims to address the long-standing physical, psychological, and economic effects of the two-decade Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency, which left thousands struggling to rebuild their lives.
Organisers say the program will focus on psychosocial support, vocational training, and economic empowerment to help survivors regain independence and dignity.
Director Stella Lanam said the intervention responds to persistent gaps in support for victims across Acholi. “We want to see victims regain their dignity and independence… for too long, victims in Acholi have suffered without direct support,” Lanam said.
Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated rehabilitation centre and secure land for income-generating activities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for communities still grappling with the scars of war.
Atto Christine, a survivor, revealed she continues to live with a bullet lodged in her body and hopes the program will help address her medical needs.
“This is a way of changing our lives so we can live well with our families and bring hope back home,” she said, adding that many victims face poverty and gender-based violence.
Leaders in the region say while such initiatives are critical, long-term solutions require stronger government backing.
Deputy City Commissioner Peter Banya emphasised the need for collective effort and called for the establishment of a counselling centre to address widespread trauma.
Meanwhile, Pece-Laroo Division MP Charles Onen pointed to policy gaps, noting that full government support remains constrained by the absence of a legal framework.
“Until the transitional justice policy is brought into law, it will be hard for government to fully support victims,” Onen said.
Uganda’s National Transitional Justice Policy, developed under the Justice, Law and Order Sector, is yet to be enacted into law, limiting comprehensive state-led reparations for war-affected communities.
According to Humura Health Director Wilfred Mukonyezi, the program will go beyond counselling to equip survivors with vocational skills and environmental conservation knowledge.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to climate resilience by integrating sustainable practices within communities.
Stakeholders say the approach, combining healing, skills development, and economic empowerment—offers a more holistic pathway to recovery in Northern Uganda.
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