UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
Psychosocial Support
Psychosocial support is a less developed component of transitional justice, but still
an essential one, as noted in the Juba Agreement on Comprehensive Solutions. The
Agreement states that, “the Parties agree that the Government of Uganda shall develop
and implement in the affected areas a policy for the support and rehabilitation of victims
of the conflict.” 745 The NRTJ Audit findings suggest that support and rehabilitation for
victims will often need to include psychosocial and counselling services. The following
provides a summary of these psychosocial needs and participants’ recommendations for
meeting them within the search for post-conflict justice.
Outstanding Needs
Representatives from numerous districts recognized the extant psychosocial needs of
those affected by violent conflict and disasters. Participants listed the on-going effects
of trauma as aggression, violence, mental illness, sucide, alcholism, prolonged grief,
anger, and pain. 746 Some explicitly attributed such problems to post-traumatic stress
disorder, 747 while others related them to haunting memories of past tragedies. 748 Other
conflict-related problems mentioned by participants included increased drug abuse by
745 Juba Agreement on Comprehensive Solutions (2007), Clause 12.1
746 Research conducted in Soroti and Hoima Districts
747 Research conducted in Bundibugyo District
748 Research conducted in Mukono District
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