Former child soldiers who were forcefully abducted and conscripted into the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) ranks have embarked on piggery with hope to restore their lives after years in captivity.
Due to lack of specific programs to address their challenges, they have embarked on piggery and commercial tree planting to ease their burden.
Mr Douglas Olum, the Chairperson of Association of EX- LRA Abductees & Survivors (ALRAS), a group that brings together former LRA child soldiers says their main aim is to engage those affected into productive life.
Olum noted that, “Through agriculture, our lives will improve amid challenges of reintegration after being granted amnesty upon our return from the bush.”
He says those who were abducted by rebels are finding it difficult to resettle and live a better since they were denied the opportunities to attain formal education.
The group which has about 27 members has a total of 10 pigs valued at more than Shs6million and an acre of pine trees.
Mr Peter Douglas Okello, the Speaker Gulu District Local Council faulted the government over reluctance to address the challenges being faced by returnees.
Okello noted that currently, there is no specific program which can address victimhood.
The Speaker says, “This category of people needs special attention since some have lost body parts which require special consideration and attention in order to enable them rebuild their life as they struggle to re-integrate into the society.”
He said it is achievable if government works with development partners.
Mr Andrew Moses Awany, the acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) urged those affected by the war to take advantage of existing government programs which are geared towards social support.
Awany said former child soldier are being catered for under the operation wealth creation and restocking program.
Majority of former abductees feel stripped of their dignity and many are being shunned by their own communities.
In an attempt to address the gap, the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) of the International Criminal Court, (ICC) has injected around Shs14 billion to address victimhood in northern Uganda.
The fund has directly been used to address and respond to war victims’ physical, psychological and material needs.
Mr Motoo Noguchi, the VTF Chair of the Board of Directors noted that the money is too little since replacing missing body parts such as limbs time and again is expensive.
He urged the government to take up the responsibility of meeting some of the problem faced war victims in order to speed up their recovery process.
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Twara kipwonyo bwulu me gwokko gweni, dyegi, pitto pot dek me catto jami magi kadi i lobo ma woko. Opego lee macilo. Onongo wan Acoli yam pe wapito dok pe wacamo kulu. Jo ma aa ki woko (mwunu) aye gunyebo opego botwa. Lok me roco tekwaro pa wan Acoli myero kiket i tic pien man gwoko kwo pa lwak bene.