Abstract
The chapter discusses war and post conflict experiences and gendered responses to reintegration in northern Uganda. It also assesses women’s efforts to contribute to post conflict reconstruction efforts amidst gender inequalities. The chapter arises from a study conducted in Lira district of northern Uganda in 2007. The actor oriented approach and gender analysis provided the analytical framework of the study. Data collection methods were qualitative including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews as well as case studies to better represent experiences and actions. The study findings show breakdown of socio-cultural norms, changing gender relations and reduced influence of local and cultural actors in community organization. The study established that the implementation of post conflict humanitarian programs had inadequate focus towards gender concerns. Despite this, women as actors devised several coping mechanisms in order to deal with the situation. Many of those mechanisms were beneficial but some detrimental to women’s lives. In conclusion, the findings attest to the crucial nature of agency and social networks as necessary for successful reconstruction through providing empowerment tools for women returnees.
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Notes
- 1.
Jan Egeland, was UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief (2003–2006). He made the comment while addressing journalists following a 15-member council briefing on Uganda and Sudan. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/oct/22/2.
- 2.
- 3.
The Amuka Boys were a pro-government militia who were stationed around IDP camps to complement UPDF in protecting the communities.
- 4.
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995.
- 5.
The Monitor Newspaper 5/8/2007.
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Mulumba, D., Namuggala, V.F. (2014). War Experiences and Gendered Responses to Post Conflict Reintegration: The Case of Lira District in Northern Uganda. In: Asuelime, L., Francis, S. (eds) Selected Themes in African Political Studies. Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-06001-9_3
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