Relative peace since 2006, after 20 years of armed conflict in Northern Uganda, brings the possibility for the internal displaced persons (IDPs) to leave displacement camps and return to the area of their original residence. Through a standardized survey of 178 individuals from the Gulu district in Northern Uganda, this study
examines the needs and prerequisites of return and reintegration.
Lasting peace is the uttermost condition for any other prerequisite of this study. IDPs need the voluntary wish to return, which 75% did indicate since they are longing for their ancestral land to engage in agriculture and want to leave behind the harsh and
unfavourable conditions of the IDP camps. The population of the Gulu district has been highly traumatized by the lasting armed conflict, making counselling and psychological treatment of trauma necessary. 1/3 is suffering from nightmares and ¼ fears evil spirits from murdered members of their communities. Over 2/3 of IDPs
believe that justice was not achieved. Voluntary movement has to be guaranteed, as the returnees who felt forced to return show significantly high movement between the return area and the old IDP camp and lower ability for reintegration. Although,
90% of the once 1.8 million IDPs have returned, only 50% have been able to fully reintegrate back into a life of social, economic and cultural balance. The majority from the remaining IDPs are unable to return out of their own strength. 9% percent has lost hope to be able to return, since they cannot find assistance or do not have land to return to. 46% are extremely vulnerable, needing special
assistance and tailored interventions, as they lack the financial and human capacity to return. 1/5 of the IDPs do not know the boundaries of their land, and 1/3 are having ongoing land disputes. 42% claim to have no monetary income whatsoever and 16% are unable to supply themselves sufficiently with food. Infrastructure and
services need to be re-established, as the lack of shelter, schools, health centres and water sources are the main facilities the IDPs need in their return areas.
Table of Contents
1. Initial situation and problem definition
2. Goal and aim of study
3. Research design and Instruments:
3.1 Questionnaires
3.1.1 The questionnaire for returnees
3.1.2 The questionnaire for IDPs
3.2 Choosing the district and the camps
3.2.1 Unyama IDP camp
3.2.2 Tetugu IDP camp
4. Demonstration of results
4.1 Data editing
4.2 Demographics
4.2.1 Gender and age
4.2.2 Family structures and marital status
4.2.3 Education
5. Internally Displaced Persons
5.1 The wish to return and possible alternatives
5.1.1 Special case: Extremely Vulnerable Individuals
5.2 Reasons for IDPs to remain in the camps
5.2.1 Lack of housing and assistance
5.2.2 The hope to receive assistance while staying in camp
5.3 Knowing the boundaries of land as a prerequisite for return
5.4 Credit facilities – a possibility for the return progress?
5.5 Direct needs of IDPs
5.6 What would IDPs spend money on?
5.7 Income activities now and after return
6. Reintegration of Returnees
6.1 Trauma and justice
6.2 Spirits
6.3 Integration and comfort
7. Challenges for successful reintegration
7.1 Crime
7.2 Modern life learnt in camp
7.2.1 Mobile phones and television
7.3 Issue of land disputes
7.4 Being forced to return and the consequences
7.4.1 Moving between camp and return site
7.4.2 Landmines
7.5 Trauma hindering integration
8. Governmental approaches
8.1 Distribution of resettlement kits
9. Comparison of IDPs and returnees
9.1 Nightmares
9.2 Income
9.3 Crime
9.4 Care of Extremely Vulnerable Individuals
10. Discussion
11. Final conclusion
12. Limitations
12.1 Supervision for data collection
12.2 Gender differences
12.3 Potential selection bias
12.4 Sensitivity of the study
12.5 Loss in translation
Research Objective and Focus
This study investigates the prerequisites for the successful return and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gulu district of Northern Uganda following the end of long-term armed conflict. It explores the primary motivations for returning, the challenges faced during post-war reintegration, and evaluates the extent to which those who have already returned have achieved social, economic, and cultural stability.
- Analysis of push and pull factors influencing the decision to leave IDP camps.
- Evaluation of the reintegration status of returnees in rural life.
- Identification of barriers to successful resettlement, including trauma, land disputes, and lack of infrastructure.
- Assessment of the role of governmental approaches and external assistance.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Initial situation and problem definition
With its terrible and lasting war Northern Uganda was declared “the worst forgotten humanitarian crisis on earth” in 2003 (Agence France-Presse 2003). Northern Uganda has been a unique case, because the conflict lasted for 20 years, making it one of the longest running wars in Africa. Through rebel activities and thousands of abductions of predominantly children, the victims, civilians and perpetrators in this conflict all came from the same population group. War and rebel activities of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda ended in 2006, and relative peace was achieved through a ceasefire and peace negotiations. The more than 1.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) began returning to the areas of their origin, leaving behind their life in displacement camps. In mid 2007, about 50% were already in their original villages or in the return process (IDMC 2009). Still, for example in the Gulu district approximately 100,000 people are remaining in the IDP camps facing new challenges. The established infrastructures in the camps are collapsing, as people resettle (New Vision Uganda 2010). The remaining population is in most cases made out of vulnerable people requiring special care, as they are unable to return on their own power.
Summary of Chapters
1. Initial situation and problem definition: Discusses the humanitarian context of post-war Northern Uganda, where 1.8 million displaced persons face ongoing challenges despite relative peace.
2. Goal and aim of study: Defines the research objectives, specifically examining the needs of remaining IDPs and the reintegration success of former returnees.
3. Research design and Instruments: Describes the methodology, including the use of standardized questionnaires and the selection process for the research team in Gulu district.
4. Demonstration of results: Presents the demographic analysis of the sample group, including gender, age, family structure, and educational levels.
5. Internally Displaced Persons: Investigates why many IDPs remain in camps, focusing on push/pull factors, land boundary knowledge, and economic challenges.
6. Reintegration of Returnees: Explores the psychological impacts of the conflict, specifically trauma and the perception of justice among those who have returned.
7. Challenges for successful reintegration: Identifies significant barriers to sustainable reintegration, such as crime, loss of traditional culture, and land ownership disputes.
8. Governmental approaches: Evaluates the effectiveness of state-led interventions, such as the Peace Recovery and Development Plan, and the distribution of resettlement aid.
9. Comparison of IDPs and returnees: Contrasts the experiences of those still in camps with those who have returned regarding income, nightmares, and perceptions of crime.
10. Discussion: Synthesizes findings, emphasizing the need for durable solutions for the most vulnerable and the necessity of addressing psychological trauma.
11. Final conclusion: Summarizes the five core prerequisites for successful return and highlights the ongoing need for both material and psychological support.
Keywords
Northern Uganda, IDPs, Returnees, Reintegration, Gulu District, Post-war, Humanitarian Crisis, Displacement Camps, Land Disputes, Trauma, Resettlement, Social Stability, Economic Recovery, Sustainable Peace, LRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis examines the prerequisites for the return and successful reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gulu district, Northern Uganda, after two decades of armed conflict.
Which thematic areas are central to this work?
The core themes include the drivers of displacement, the push and pull factors influencing the decision to return, the psychological effects of the war, and the socio-economic challenges of post-conflict reintegration.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The primary objective is to determine what is required for IDPs to voluntarily and sustainably leave displacement camps and reintegrate into their original rural communities.
Which research methodology was adopted?
The study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods, including a standardized survey of 178 individuals, conducted in the local Luo language by a trained research team.
What topics are explored in the main body?
The main body covers demographic profiles, barriers like land disputes and trauma, the role of modern versus traditional lifestyles, and the effectiveness of governmental and NGO-led interventions.
Which keywords define this study?
Keywords include Northern Uganda, internally displaced persons (IDPs), reintegration, post-war reconstruction, trauma, and sustainable return.
How does the experience of IDPs differ from returnees regarding trauma?
The study found a highly significant correlation between the state of integration and trauma; IDPs still residing in camps report suffering significantly more from nightmares than those who have successfully returned.
What role do land disputes play in the reintegration process?
Land disputes are a major obstacle to integration, as many people have lost knowledge of traditional boundaries after years of displacement and are now facing conflicts over land value and ownership.
What are the 'Extremely Vulnerable Individuals' (EVIs) mentioned in the study?
EVIs include widows, orphans, the elderly, and the sick. They are often unable to return on their own due to a lack of financial and human capacity, requiring specialized, tailored assistance.
- Quote paper
- Etienne Salborn (Author), 2010, Prerequisites of return and reintegration for long term internally displaced persons in Northern Uganda, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/163411
