UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
should be provided both to individuals and affected communities in immediate, interim
and long-term processes. 722 Reparations must also be both material and immaterial in
nature.
Compensation
Firstly, participants expressed a desire to be compensated for the losses they suffered
during conflicts and viewed such economic reparations as key to sustaining their
livelihoods. 723 The Banyoro called for compensation for the cattle and property they lost
during past conflict, while community members in Bundibugyo demanded compensation
for the land they lost to Government forces and for the destruction of crops and
buildings. 724 Others requested start-up capital for livelihood support initiatives. 725
Participants noted, however, that compensation is only one form of reparation and must
be complemented by other mechanisms in a comprehensive approach. 726
Restitution
People affected by past conflicts prioritized restitution, or restoration to the life they
had enjoyed prior to certain violations. Those who are still displaced must be urgently
resettled, and housing should be provided to the victims. One elder in Kigorobya, Hoima
District, stated that; “During the NRA Bush War, we lost jobs, education, freedom and
justice. We need all to be brought back.” 727
Participants from Bulambuli also underlined that those who had suffered from landslides
should be relocated. 728 In terms of infrastructure, many considered that a post-war
reconstruction programme was necessary to rebuild the institutions that had been
destroyed during conflict, including churches, main roads, 729 and community roads.
Participants in Kitgum cited the new roads and school in Luwero following the NRA Bush
War as an example of what is needed in the north. 730 Yet, as underlined by participants
in Arua, investment in infrastructure alone is not sufficient. 731 Educational support is
paramount to deal with the loss of opportunities during the war. Participants argued that
the Government should not only build schools, but also assist children, war orphans and
widows with scholarships, bursaries, and access to special programmes and vocational
training. 732
Rehabilitation
In many districts, participants highlighted the need to establish rehabilitation facilities
and programmes in order to repair damages, treat wounds, ensure physical repair and to
help deal with the socioeconomic and psychological consequences of the war. 733 Specific
722 Research conducted in Arua District
723 Research conducted in Lira District
724 Research conducted in Arua District
725 Research conducted in Bundibugyo and Mukono Districts
726 Research conducted in Mbarara, Mubende and Arua Districts
727 Research conducted in Bundibugyo District
728 Research conducted in Mukono District
729 Research conducted in Mbarara District
730 Research conducted in Hoima District
731 Research conducted in Bulambuli District
732 Research conducted in Bundibugyo, Mbarara and Mukono Districts
733 Research conducted in Kitgum District
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