NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR CHILD SOLDIER
PREVENTION AND RE-INTEGRATION IN UGANDA
Launch Report
HOTEL AFRICANA, KAMPALA UGANDA
June 13, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1 Mandate of the national platform ...... 5 1.2 Goal of the Platform ...... 6 2.0 REMARKS BY DIFFERENT DIGNITARIES AT THE LAUNCH ...... 6 2.2 Remarks by Dr. Mustafa Ali – out-going Secretary General of ACRL—RfP ...... 8 2.3 Remarks by Diane Goldin, Founder, the Goldin Institute ...... 9 2. 4 Briefing on the Project by Travis Rejaman, Executive Director (GI) ...... 9 2. 5 Briefing on the project by Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat (ACRL-RfP) ...... 9 2. 6 Remarks by Hon.Florence Mutyabule , MP, Namutumba District and chairperson parliamentary forum for children ...... 10 2. 7 Opening remarks by Sheikh Ramathan Mubaje- Mufti of Uganda ...... 10 3.0 PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS TITLED “ALONE AND FRIGHTENED: THE EXPERIENTIAL STORIES OF FORMER CHILD SOLDIERS OF NORTHERN UGANDA ON REINTEGRATION PROCESS” ...... 12 4.0 PERSPECTIVES ON REINTEGRATION IN UGANDA BY KEY PANELISTS ...... 14 4.1 Susan Alal, World Vision ...... 14 4.2 Rev. Nelson Mau Mau, South Sudan ...... 14 4.3 Rev. Armand Kinyamba, delegate from DR Congo ...... 15 4.4 Patrick Aroma (Abducted in 1997 and returned in 2004) ...... 15 4.5 Okello Charles (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 1998) ...... 16 4.6 Omwony Geoffrey (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 1997) ...... 16 4.7 Anena Lilly Grace (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 2002) ...... 16 4.8 Ochora Mike ...... 16 5.0 BUILDING CONSENSUS ON NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR REINTEGRATION OF FORMER CHILD SOLDIERS ...... 17 CONCLUSION ...... 17
2 LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACRL—RfP : African Council of Religious Leaders — Religions for Peace
AI : Arigatou International
CSO : Civil Society Organization
DGI : Diane Goldin Institute
GOU Government of Uganda
IRCU : Inter-Religious Council of Uganda
LRA : Lord’s Resistance Army
MP : Member of Parliament
NGO : Non- Governmental Organization
NRA : National Resistance Army
OPM : Office of the Prime Minister
3 1.0 INTRODUCTION
On June 13, 2013, the National Platform for Child Soldier Reintegration and Prevention – Uganda Chapter was launched at the Hotel Africana in Kampala. The launch event was hosted by the Interreligious Council of Uganda in collaboration with the Goldin Institute, the Arigatou Foundation and the African Council of Religious Leaders and convened over 100 former combatants, religious leaders, members of parliament, civic leaders and others engaged in reintegration efforts for children used as soldiers in Uganda. This important launch event was the culmination of two years of partnership building, grassroots engagement and research led by former combatants. The launch was one major step in the journey of building a regional platform that would involve Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Working on a regional basis through direct service to former combatants, advocacy and public policy on issues like the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), this platform seeks to end the use of child soldiers in the region and reintegrate those children who have escaped the fighting. In Uganda, especially the Northern part, both the rebels and the government have used children in their war actions before and after 1986. There are a number of statutory instruments that outlaw the use of children in combat action or under age employment such as the Constitution, the children’s statute in addition to the various international conventions on children. The Constitution states that a child is entitled to basic education, which is the responsibility of the State and the child's parents. 1 http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/type,ANNUALREPORT,USDOL,UGA,48c8c9f b2d,0.html - _ftn2627 Children's Statute No. 6 of 1996 prohibits the employment of children under 18 in work that may be harmful to their health, education, or mental, physical, or moral development.2 On sexual abuse of girls, one form of exploitation of child soldiers in armed conflict, Article 125 of the Penal Code prohibits individuals from soliciting females for prostitution. Violation of this code is punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment.3 However, these legal instruments are not enough to ensure that children are reintegrated. Through research and shared planning, this platform has identified areas where a broad range of civic and grassroots leaders can make a concrete improvement.
1 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Article 34 (2) [hereinafter Constitution of the Republic Uganda], at http://www.government.go.ug/constitution/chapt4.htm on 8/14/01 2 Uganda's Report and Position on Child Labour at 25 3 Penal Code of Uganda, Article 125, as cited in the Protection Project Database, Country Report, Uganda, January 2001, at http://www.protectionproject.org.
4 A number of organizations have done an impressive job in addressing child soldiers’ issues in Northern Uganda. Notable among these include: Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI); the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers 4 ; Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC); Uganda Action Network on Small Arms (UANSA); Gulu Save the Children Organization (GUSCO), World Vision International-Uganda and Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Project among others. Despite their various independent efforts, the weak implementation framework and general lack of coordination has hampered realization of their objectives. Each of these organizations has worked independently using its own approach leading to less impact on the ground and haphazard involvement of government and other stakeholders. The challenges above and others have contributed to a sustained situation where ex- child soldiers from Northern Uganda continue to languish in the bush among militia groups across the region and those that returned can hardly afford a meaningful livelihood. Religious leaders from Northern Uganda as recently as July 20115 indicated that there was still great potential for a recurrence of conflict due to the unresolved social ills that allow violence to fester: high poverty levels; a large number of ex-child soldiers still living on the streets of Gulu and other major centers in Northern Uganda due to rejection by community and lack of land; and a weak traditional leadership (consisting of chiefs and elders) which would otherwise resolve issues. Major indicators of potential conflict in this region include: recurrent violence within the community indicating high levels of bitterness, anger and hopelessness among people; high number of suicide cases; increased domestic violence; and over drinking especially among men. The temptation to go back to the bush becomes very high especially among children who are used to acquiring free things, by use force and the gun. It is with this in mind that ACRL and DGI in collaboration with Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have launched a platform in Uganda to address child soldiers’ problems. The Uganda Chapter will serve as a model for similar National-level Platforms will be established in DRC and South Sudan where this problem is evident.
1.1 Mandate of the national platform The mandate of the platform was defined in the national priorities that were reached by stakeholders during the launch of this platform (see national priorities in the successive pages of this report).
4 The Coalition’s International Steering Committee is comprised of seven organizations – Amnesty International, Jesuit Refugees Service, the Quaker United Nations Office-Geneva and World Vision International.
5 Religious leaders interviewed by Dr. Kiplagat-Goldin Institute’s Global Associate during the SALWs training and consultations in Gulu, Northern Uganda
5 In summary, the platform will focus on the following priorities: 1. Direct and sustained engagement of former child soldiers in all aspects of the network, from setting priorities, service in related projects and evaluation. 2. Research and documentation of child soldier related issues. 3. Advocacy for public policies that will benefit former combatants 4. Strengthening of institutional mechanisms to promote access to education, healthcare, nutrition, shelter and employment for ex-child soldiers and children impacted by the violence. 5. Build Capacity for member organizations of the national platform to address issues of child soldiers. 6. Coordinate the disparate programs for demobilization, prevention and reintegration of child soldiers to improve efficiency and reach. 7. Monitor with relevant government ministries and departments to keep watch over the implementation of policies that impact ex-child soldiers. 8. Evaluate impact of resources and programs targeting ex-child soldiers in Uganda. 9. Distribute information and reports from members of the national platform. 10. Assist in sharing information, tools and insights in building the regional platform. 11. Mobilize resources for the running of the platform activities.
These goals were approved by the 100 participating stakeholders from across Uganda with observers from the DRC, South Sudan, Kenya and the United States. Participants included former child soldiers, senior religious leaders, Government representatives; district chair persons from selected districts of Northern Uganda, CSOs, MPs, staff of IRCU, AI, ACRL—RfP and DGI including the media.
1.2 Goal of the Platform The overall goal of this National Platform is to reintegrate former child soldiers in Uganda and prevent the use of children in armed conflict. This platform will document its processes, successes and challenges in order to assist partners in DRC, Somalia and South Sudan as they build similar National Level Platforms that together will partner in a regional network dedicated to reintegration and prevention.
6 2.0 REMARKS BY DIGNITARIES AT THE LAUNCH 2.1 Welcome Remarks by Joshua Kitakule- Secretary General (IRCU)
In his remarks the Secretary General thanked the international partners for their role in ensuring that this event happened and for choosing Uganda as a pilot project for re-integration and prevention of child soldiers. He thanked in particular the staff of ACRL—RfP, AI, DGI and IRCU for the job well done. He pledged the commitment of IRCU to the cause of child soldiers not only in Uganda but the entire great lakes region using IRCU’s position as the secretariat for the great lakes religious leaders’ network.
He said that the history of child soldiering in Uganda can be traced way back in the early 1980’s when forces opposed to Obote 11 regime picked up arms against Government. Between 1981 and 1986, hundreds of children (a.k.a- kadogos) were conscripted in subversive activities.
This phenomenon continued when the LRA abducted thousands of children for war reasons. He noted with concern that there has not been a structured mechanism to reintegrate these children, except for the little effort made to return them (kadogos) to school. He was happy to inform the participants at this workshop that a consultant, Mr. Daniel Komakech in collaboration with ACRL—RfP,AI, DGI, and IRCU completed a research whose findings on the issue of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-child soldiers in the perspective of Northern Uganda will highlight the plight of ex- child soldiers in northern Uganda and offer a basis for interventions. The study he hoped would stimulate debate on what should be done by state and non-state actors to rehabilitate the lives of hundreds of ex-child soldiers who currently live in a state of hopelessness.
Mr. Kitakule observed that there was no doubt that ex-child soldiers had received little or no facilitation from government. He noted that the children were facing the challenges of poverty, landlessness, unemployment and rejection by the communities with a good number of them living off the streets of Gulu and other major urban centers posing a huge security risk since it has a direct bearing on the proliferation of SALW.
7 Mr. Kitakule made a strong case for the children saying:
With little or no education, ex-child soldiers are in dire need of life skills and livelihoods. As religious organizations, we appreciate the need for an effective framework charged with undertaking the rehabilitation of the lives of these young men and women before the entire generation is lost. Religious organizations are ready to partner with government to improve the livelihoods and skills of this important segment of the young generation by providing vocational training, counseling and post-trauma services. Therefore, the formation of a National Platform for Children in Armed Conflict is a pointer in the right direction.
2.2 Remarks by Dr. Mustafa Ali – out-going Secretary General of ACRL—RfP
Dr. Mustafa thanked IRCU for accepting to coordinate this initiative at a national level. He remarked that whereas he was leaving the ACRL—RfP, his new assignment with the Arigatou International- a Japanese international forum for children based in Nairobi, he will not stop but continue pursuing the cause of the African child. He noted that since his new organization is a global forum for children, this would enable him to work directly with the ACRL—RfP to ensure the operation of this platform.
He thanked his colleagues at the ACRL—RfP Secretariat in Nairobi and the DGI in the USA for working together to give birth to this initiative. He had no doubt that this endeavor would result into improved livelihood of ex-child soldiers and the prevention of child soldiering in the great lakes region and Africa as a whole. He pledged his continued support to this platform and asked all the stakeholders present at the launch to embrace the initiative.
8 2.3 Remarks by Diane Goldin, Founder, the Goldin Institute
Diane Goldin was happy to see that part of her wish and passion to better the lives of disadvantaged children was beginning to be realized through the creation of the platform. She was delighted to associate herself with this initiative and had no doubt that the platform would indeed improve the status of the affected children. She thanked the ACRL—RfP and IRCU for working closely with DGI to ensure that the event happened. She shared how her experiences of working with former child soldiers in Colombia and around the world has informed the important work taking place in Uganda. She pledged her commitment to the cause of the platform and encouraged all those interested in the plight of children to embrace the platform but above all take action to change the lives of children.
2. 4 Welcoming Remarks by Travis Rejman, Executive Director (GI)
Mr. Rejman expressed his gratitude towards IRCU for accepting to host the national platform and thanked the international partners; ACRL— RfP and Arigatou International for supporting the entire process. He emphasized the crucial role that former child soldiers had already played in the process through the oral testimony research they completed that helped to set the agenda for the work of the National Platform and encouraged their engagement through all aspects of the planning, implementation and evaluation of the platform. He was optimistic that the platform would indeed transform the lives of the affected children especially if all stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors like religion, business, government and education worked together for the good of the children. He pledged his commitment and looked forward to a vibrant platform where all stakeholders can actively transform the lives of the former child soldiers and also prevent attempts by subversive forces to recruit children for combat reasons. He ended his remarks by pledging to help share the lessons learned in Uganda with partners in the regional network (DRC, Somalia and South Sudan) and throughout the Goldin Institute’s network of partners in over 40 countries.
2. 5 Briefing on the project by Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat (ACRL-RfP)
9 Dr. Kiplagat remarked that the research that was undertaken by the collaborative team was indeed a milestone in informing the course of action during the reintegration process noting that it would indeed provide a meaningful guideline for reintegration of for ex- child combatants.
She noted that the continued collaborative efforts between IRCU and the International Partners and with the different stake holders would without doubt deliver the ex-child soldiers from agony and suffering to a meaningful and sustainable livelihood. She thanked the Secretary General of ACRL—RfP, Dr. Mustafa Ali, for his unrivaled support that enabled the idea of the platform to materialize.
She was equally was optimistic that this initiative would transform the lives of former child soldiers.
2. 6 Remarks by Hon.Florence Mutyabule , MP, Namutumba District and chairperson parliamentary forum for children The Member of Parliament pointed out that the parliamentary forum on children mainly deals with issues of children with disabilities, but leaves out those of child soldiers, yet she was touched by the presentation highlighting the nasty experiences that child soldiers were and continue being subjected to. In addition, she said that the subsequent reintegration challenges children face upon return hinders their ability to reintegrate and lead decent lives. Consequently, serious attention was necessary to address the plight of child soldiers, she reiterated. As a member of parliament, she promised to table the issue of child soldiers to her colleagues in the parliamentary forum for children so that specific legislation and budget may be allocated to address this concern.
10 2. 7 Opening remarks by Sheikh Ramathan Mubaje- Mufti of Uganda
Chief guest Sheikh Ramathan Mubaje - Mufti of Uganda - thanked the architects of the platform for this initiative particularly IRCU, ACRL and the DGI. He noted that this platform was timely and appropriate as it complements government’s efforts to address the plight of children in armed conflict. He hoped that this initiative would strengthen efforts to demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers and address the proliferation of SALW in the Great Lakes Region.
He cited the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the African Charter of the Rights of the Child which bar the recruitment and use of children in hostilities. Sheikh Mubaje lamented children’s continued participation in hostilities; often losing out in most aspects of life during armed conflict, despite the laudable provisions in law. Sheikh Mubaje noted that children were often uprooted from their childhood, denied formal education and necessary skills to engage in specialized jobs and other constructive activities among other important aspects of life. These factors play a negative role in the children’s ability to reintegrate and contribute to post-conflict instability, he observed.
He thanked the Government of Uganda (GOU), NGOs, religious institutions and other development partners who have made laudable efforts to support the reintegration of former child soldiers, and other people, especially children and women, affected by armed conflicts. Whereas the GOU is committed to the implementation of the Amnesty Act in order to facilitate the return of LRA ex-combatants and abductees, and is implementing the Peace and Reconciliation Development Program for Northern Uganda (PRDP) to promote recovery and reconciliation, he expressed the need for more work, for instance; taming the high level corruption in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) which quite often has left the purpose of reintegration defeated and the entire program of PRDP limping especially after the withdrawal of donor aid.
He noted with concern that in the past, peace-building efforts have mainly focused on war veterans at the exclusion of children who were regarded as mere victims of armed conflict. He called upon all stakeholders to do more to ensure that the plight of these children is ended.
11 3.0 PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS TITLED “ALONE AND FRIGHTENED: THE EXPERIENTIAL STORIES OF FORMER CHILD SOLDIERS OF NORTHERN UGANDA ON REINTEGRATION PROCESS” The research findings were presented by the Lead Researcher Mr. Daniel Komakech from the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, Gulu University. This research aimed to articulate the experiences of child soldiers with regard to their reintegration in northern Uganda. It specifically explored the life of children in the bush, their method of return from LRA captivity, and the nature of interventions by NGOs and other agencies.
The research project was unique in that it employed 12 former child soldiers to lead the oral testimony gathering. This experiential approach broke down many of the hierarchical barriers and produced a more accurate understanding of the lived experiences and aspirations of former combatants. Primary data was collected through a face-to-face interviews, while focus groups and surveys were used to collect data from secondary sources. The study covered six districts of Northern Uganda namely:-Adjumani, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and Soroti.
The study established that most former child soldiers continue to face many challenges including: psychological and other health problems, poverty, general physical weaknesses, lost childhood, inadequate support from relatives and government institutions, stigmatisation and limited acceptance into the reintegrating community for their actual or perceived atrocious acts and potential landlessness for male children born in LRA captivity. Child mothers remain very concerned about the identity of their children considering that many of them do not know the fathers of their children.
Additionally, interventions such as counseling and vocational skills training, targeting former child soldiers tended to be inadequate and was implemented with the assumption that all the target group’s experiences were homogeneous. As a result, some targeted support did not address the felt needs of the former child soldiers. Moreover, only 60% of former child soldiers passed through reception centers and were lucky to receive insertion packages.
The study also established that no further support and follow up were put in place to support reintegration once the children were returned to communities. In a nut shell, reintegration was substituted with reinsertion, and many more former child soldiers have remained without any reintegration support.
A 10-minute documentary produced during the study was shown to the participants because it vividly captured the phenomenon of the experiences of former child soldiers and reintegration challenges they faced.
12 3.1 Participants’ reactions to the findings Participants got the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on the study and its findings. Below are some of the questions raised and responses from the presenter:
Q1: What is the role of cultural leaders in reintegration of former child soldiers?
R: Cultural leaders have played some roles in cleansing ceremonies. But they can do more than that if given the space and logistical support at the disposal of NGOs.
Q2: Why do families warmly receive former child soldiers and later turn against them?
R: At first, family members are eager to have their relatives back but their interactions often present challenges such stigmatization and economic burden in the long run.
Q3: In Nakaseke District, children willingly joined the NRA due to poverty, was it the case in northern Uganda?
R: No. The northern Ugandan case was through abduction. The moderator then suggested that it was necessary to conduct a similar study in Nakaseke to determine the nature of the problem experienced by former child soldiers.
Q4: How must we approach the reintegration of child soldiers?
R: It is the opinion of the researcher that current assistance to former child soldiers has not been reintegration but reinsertion. As such, effective reintegration programmes were urgently needed.
Q5: Could long stay at reception centres or established children homes in northern Uganda have delayed reintegration of children (as it could have acted as a chance for some poor parents to reluctantly take responsibility of their children)?
R: Stay at reception was short and may not have delayed reintegration however; the problem is that once children reunited with their relatives there was no follow up.
Q6: Bean et al (2010) study on reintegration in northern Uganda observes that ex- combatants, including child soldiers were not properly reintegrating due to limited or no access to land. Your study reveals that 12% of male child soldiers found their fathers dead. Moreover, those born in captivity could be in a more precarious situation. How is belonging and access to land affecting reintegration?
R: Culturally, male children are supposed to access land from their fathers, yet some of them don’t have fathers. Therefore, they have a crisis of belonging and they face current and future landlessness.
13 4.0 PERSPECTIVES ON REINTEGRATION IN UGANDA BY KEY PANELISTS This session was devoted to sharing experiences from representatives of intervening agencies such as NGOs, affected individuals (former child soldiers), government and representatives from South Sudan and the DR Congo. The session was moderated by Mr. Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson; Gulu District Local Government. Below, we present a summary of their discussions and responses.
4.1 Susan Alal, World Vision She recognized the enormous challenges that child soldiers face during war, and subsequent reintegration challenges they face thereafter. She noted that some of the children continue to live with bullets in their bodies, face psychosocial problems, and face identity crisis as a result of being born in captivity. She observed that in the absence of post-war plans, and dwindling donor funds, it is difficult to address the needs of returning children from the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She recommended the need to conduct a survey in order to establish the actual number of children who were abducted, those that have returned and those still at large. This is because there are conflicting figures presented on the number of those abducted. There are also children who are still at large and their parents are unsure whether or not they are still alive. This affects reintegration in that some community members are bitter. There is also need to conduct reconciliation ceremonies through the existing local structures; this is in keeping with the critical role belief systems play in the lives of different communities in Africa.
4.2 Rev. Nelson Mau Mau, South Sudan He noted that whereas abducted children from northern Uganda by the LRA continue to face challenges of reintegration, the case of South Sudan were even more serious. This is because children formed a critical combat role during the civil war in Sudan.
Accordingly their record indicates that the SPLA recruited a lot of children to fight the civil war. He noted that through support from UNICEF, former child soldiers have been able to access education at national and international levels. Through the same support, many more children continue to get demobilized. In addition, following the cessation of hostilities and the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement during the period 2005 and 2009, the SPLA have been able to enact the Child Act (2008) to protect children. In addition, the constitution of South Sudan restricts the recruitment of children in the army.
14 He, however, noted that rampant inter-ethnic conflicts continue to encourage the recruitment of children into armed rebellion. It is therefore likely that the current intra- conflict in South Sudan will facilitate recruitment of children into combat. He argued that, whereas it is difficult to establish if the current rebel movement against the government of South Sudan is recruiting children into combat, orphaned children could be associating with soldiers, a condition that makes it easy for them to be recruited.
4.3 Rev. Armand Kinyamba, delegate from DR Congo He noted that the conference was an important moment for DR Congo because children have changed the dynamics of armed conflict in the DRC. Children have been recruited and have continuously caused destruction to lives and property during the war. However, there is barely any framework for an effective prevention and reintegration of child soldiers in DR Congo or the region. Over the years, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program was set by the government under the ministry of defense and later under the ministry of internal affairs yet many children are not reintegrated. He estimated the figure of children affected by armed conflict to be 30,000 in DRC alone. He concluded that the conference was a point of departure for Congo as it engages with critical issues that affect children. He looked forward to putting what he had learnt in the meeting into good practice.
15 4.4 Patrick Aroma (Abducted in 1997 and returned in 2004) Patrick thanked all the participants in the meeting and shared his story. In summary, he narrated his painful experiences both in the bush and now at home having sustained major injuries that had rendered him physically incapacitated. He mentioned that he was yet to receive medical treatment for his injuries.
4.5 Okello Charles (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 1998) Charles wondered how and what the platform could do for them to alleviate their suffering. In his opinion, the war in northern Uganda is not yet over because only the gun is silent but people in the villages continue to be violent and live in misery. He added that some form of aggression against them is as an expression of revenge for the suffering they were subjected to. He observed, “The local community views us as the source of their problem, yet we were also abducted. We live in fear because we are aware that people resent us. He added that he experiences some mental problems that make him feel wired and anti-social. He urged the platform to help address the root causes of the conflicts in Uganda so that children are saved from the scourge of war.
4.6 Omwony Geoffrey (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 1997) He presented a general experience of life in the bush as tough and unbearable, and urged that other people should understand what they went through without victimizing them. He added that some of them are afraid for their lives because some community members whose abducted children have not yet returned envy them and accuse some of them of having participated in their children’s abduction. He hoped that specific efforts would be put in place to address their plight.
4.7 Anena Lilly Grace (Abducted in 1996 and returned in 2002) She cited the following problems as experienced by her and fellow women:
• Stigmatization; • Lack of acceptance for their children born in captivity; • Trauma • Unstable marriage relationship owing to their participation in the war; and • Limited support from intervening agencies
4.8 Ochora Mike Mike is a former child soldier and was a research assistant in the study. He appreciated the study for bringing out the actual and current situation of former child soldiers in northern Uganda. He noted that whereas cultural practices such cleansing ceremony were
16 important for returnees, some of the community members have embraced “Born Again” faith and are unwilling to participate in such a practice at the expense of those affected. In addition, he also said that nightmares were a common phenomenon. He added that so many NGOs had registered them for support but had never received any support from them.
5.0 BUILDING CONSENSUS ON NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR REINTEGRATION OF FORMER CHILD SOLDIERS As a way forward, plenary discussions were held, chaired by Rev. Dr. John Baptist Kauta, and the following views were presented:
1. In as much as possible, support targeting former child soldiers needs to focus on their families and communities where they live and work. 2. Establish a fund basket for former child soldiers to address the physiological, psychological and other needs. 3. Need for community sensitization aimed at acceptance of former child soldiers 4. Meaningfully involve children in their reintegration and integrate them in government programs such as NAADS and the national youth policy. 5. Ensure skills training and education for former child soldiers based on a comprehensive assessment of their specific needs. 6. Direct engagement of religious leaders in reintegration programs to inspire confidence in communities and promote acceptance at the family level 7. Build operational team at district and national levels to coordinate reintegration programs to improve efficiency and results. 8. Integrate cultural institutions, including village elders, in devising effective solutions to reintegration 9. Address the root causes of child soldiering in Uganda 10. Establish national and regional platforms and define their respective mandates 11. Encourage regional cooperation and dialogues 12. Incorporate lessons learnt from other parts of the world 13. Make use of early warning systems to avert conflicts 14. Document the number of child soldiers in the region to inform intervention 15. Convene a national reconciliation program
CONCLUSION The conference was deemed very successful by all participants. The successful operationalization of the national platform would very much depend on the efforts put by ACRL—RfP and the IRCU under the very able leadership of Mr. Kitakule, the Secretary General who committed to platform’s goals. APPENDICES
17
Appendix A: Launch Agenda
Child Soldiers’ Prevention and Reintegration Partners’ Forum and Launch
Date: 13 June 2013 Venue: Hotel Africana Kampala, Uganda Program
Time Activity Moderator
08.30-09.30 Opening Prayer and Introductions
Welcome Remarks by Secretary General Inter-Religious Rt. Rev. Dr. Zac Council of Uganda Niringiye Chairperson Remarks by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Secretary General, ACRL Committee for Remarks by Ms. Diane Goldin, Founder, The Goldin Inter-Religious Institute Institute for Peace IRCU Briefing on the project by
i. Travis Rejman, Executive Director Goldin Institute ii. Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat Conflict Transformation & Peace Building Project Officer- Goldin Institute Global Associate (ACRL-RfP)
09:30- 09:45 Official Opening by His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Mufti of Uganda, Co Chair African Council for Religious Leaders.
Keynote Address“ Role of Religious Leaders in the Great Lakes Region in Child Soldier Prevention and Reintegration” by Haji Katende – Makerere University
09: 45- 11:00 Sharing of current realities
i. His Grace Archbishop John Baptist Odama, ii. Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese iii. Formerly Abducted Children (One male and One Female)
18 iv. Country Director World Vision v. Country Director UNICEF vi. Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development – Commissioner for Youth and Children iv. Minister of State for Northern Uganda
1. South Sudan representative, Rev. Nelson Mau Mau 2. DRC representative, Rev. Armand Kinyamba /Mr. Assanda Mwenebetu
11:00-11:15 Tea Break
Prof. Badru Kateregga, 11.15- 12.00 Presentation of research findings by Mr.Daniel Komakech Chancellor Director Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies- Gulu University Kampala University, member 12.00- 12.45 Discussion of the findings of Peace Justice and 12.45-13.00 National priorities for reintegration of former child soldiers Governance committee IRCU
13.00-14.00 Lunch break
Msgr. Charles Kasibante Vicar Video Clip General,
Draft Statement of commitment by partners Kampala Official Launch of the Forum Hon. Rebecca Amuge Archdiocese, Otengo Minister of State for Northern Uganda chairman IRCU Board
Tea break
16.00— Roundtable Discussions on Regional Action (IRCU, ACRL, Goldin, DRC, South Sudan and few other stakeholders)
19 Appendix B: Participants List
Attendance sheet for the Launch of the child soldier platform- Uganda project
Venue: Hotel African
Date: 13th June 2013
No. Name Designation/ Organization Contacts Ge nd er
1. Omony Geoffrey Lurem (Meaning friends in 0773348688 M Acholi language) for Progress youth Association
2. Ochora Mike Counselor 0782713878 M
3. Assanda Mwenebatu A government official and +243 859133867 M representative from DR Joseph Congo Email: [email protected]
4. Doreen Deborah Teso Religious Leaders 0782806643 F Elafu Efforts for Peace and Reconciliation, Soroti Email: [email protected] District
5. Dr. Ashad Sentof Graduating & Academic 0773342386 F Planning System
6. Anywar Ricky Richard Founder/Executive Director 0772383574 M Friends of Orphans, Kampala
7. Rev. Simon Akol Church of Uganda 0772371649 M Aisu Karamajong Diocese Moroto- Nakapiripit Religious Leaders Initiative for Peace
8. Monokuma Grace Uganda Management 0772 33 83 16 F
20 Institute
9. Sheikh Ismail Uganda Muslim Supreme 077 497 2243 M Wandeeba Council
10. Gyagenda Semakula Born Again Faith 0782 39 30 17 M
11. Aduma Geoffrey Born Again Faith 0712 622 893 M
12. Mr. John Kaute Secretary General 0774 617 149 M
13. Zziwa Ashiraf Uganda Muslim Supreme 0701 85 7922 M Council Email: [email protected]
14. Baguma Samson Church of Uganda 078 410 42 62 M
15. Mumbere Elius Anti-Mines Network- 07 012 10724, +243 99854 M Rwenzori (AMNET-R) 9136,0701297137
Email: [email protected]
16. Nlumbana Julie Interreligious Council of 077 24 76 458 F Uganda (IRCU) Email: [email protected]
17. Carol Tusume IRCU 0712 96 7256 F
18. Petros Mugabe IRCU 0772006062 M
19. Rev. Fr. Demitrios Chairperson Inter- faith 0782 23 31 33 M Sserugunda Committee, Buganda Cluster
20. Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat Project Coordinator, African +254 722 145 102 F Council of Religious Leaders
21. Hajat Hariimah Legal Expert and CEO – 077 25 89301 F Nantogo Women of Uganda
22. Travis Rejman Goldin Institute Email: M [email protected]
23. Rev. Rukundo Church of Uganda- 077 23 88 992 M Richard Secretariat Email:
24. Dr. Zac Niringiye IRCU/Peace Justice and [email protected] M Governance
25. Achiga Emmand Adjumani Local CouncilV 0782 66 53 42 M (LC5)officer
26. Wamala Denis Adjumani Local Council V 077 32 67 902 M (LC5)officer
27. Mugambi Sam 077 296 8770 M
28. Uhuru George Local Council Officer, Gulu 0714 08 4050 M
29. Okello Francis Local Council Officer, Gulu 0772517899 M
30. Aluma Rashid Uganda Muslim Supreme 077 38 92 433 M Council (UMSC)
31. Owole Nixon Chairman LC 5 –Adjumani 0772 362292 M District
32. Nambatye Prossy Program Officer 0772638422 F
33. Kura vares IRCU- Board Members 0782877622 M
34. Rev. Kinyamba IRC-DRC Email: [email protected] M
35. Nantan Elizabeth 0772464966,0414510263, F
36. Bishop Paul Luzinda Church of Uganda/IRCU – 0772603348 M Peace &social Justice
37. Kerango William 0788226061 M Tox [email protected]
38. Grace Kazibwe Uganda Orthodox Church, 0784 90 6616 F officer in charge of children Affairs Email : [email protected]
39. Sheikh Musa Khalili Acholi District Kadhi and 077 2317391 M Vice Chairman, Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Email : [email protected] Initiative
22 40. Umar Uganda Muslim Supreme 0700800220 M Council (UMSC)
41. Joseph Muhunza Representative from Inter- 07724 51 978 M governmental Authority for Development (IGAD)
42. JRC Programme Officer 07723521175 F
43. Nasser Kayanja Radio-Simba 0772670606 M
44. Mubiru Ali Pearl FM 0702 98 12 92 M
45. Robinah M Channel 44 TV 077 3846589 F
46. Alex Lumbwa Central Broadcasting Station 0784875557 M FM
47. Kityo Brian IMPACT FM 0782026881 M
48. Kajumba Annah Uganda Broadcasting 0752-269787 F Cooperation RADIO
49. Gloria Natajubi New Vision Writer O782127495 F
Email : [email protected]
50. Nahurira Seith New vision Writer 0703957227 M
Email: [email protected]
51. Christopher Recorder-TV 0772667966 M semakule .s [email protected]
52. Andrew Ssenyoga New vision Writer 0711187999 M
Email: [email protected]
53. Namugambe Joy Namirembe FM 0781525037 F
Email:[email protected] m
54. Francis Emoruti New vision-Photographer 0772586521 M
23 Email : [email protected]
55. Kabbabe Ixon NBS TV ( Media House) 0774734055 M
56. Al –Mahdi Daily Monitor Journalist 0712 72 557 M Ssenicabiwa Email: [email protected]
57. Ndhaye Moses Daily Monitor Journalist Email; [email protected] M
58. Wassua Hassan NRB TV 0703700267 M
59. Wamuto Stewart Sanyu FM (media House) 0751417718 M
60. Mulindwa Yusuf Prime Minister’s 0776801092/0704330549 M representative Email: [email protected]
61. Benjamin Kiwanuka Capital Fm. 07022338185 M
Email: [email protected]
62. Rose Yamale Radio one/akaboozi 0772453207 F
63. Ambrose Asiimwe Administrator – NEPU ( 0700-903366 M media house) Email [email protected] 64. Mutyabule Florence Member of Parliament and 0752655833 F Nemutumba Chairperson Parliamentary Forum for Children Email;[email protected]
65. Namakula Rahiima Graduating & Academic 0774495000 M Planning System ( Buganda Kingdom)
66. Kibugwe Agnes Buganda Courtofficer 0772587516 F
Email : [email protected]
67. Deborah Gararu Uganda Law Society 0774370115 F
Email: dgasana.cap@u/s.or.ug
68. Okuta Santa Gulu- District – Local 0772649675 M
24 Government
69. Tindoi Felix Adjumani LC 5 Escort 0784 029 949 M
70. Kanagwa Asma IRCU 0782 468 524 F
71. Yussuf Z Finance and Administration 0712 286 286 M Specialist, IRCU
72. Brenda Administrative Assistant 0778 221 919 F
73. Waswa Yusuf Accounts Assistant 0712 928 378 M
74. Godfrey Olwol IRCU 0772 466 414 M
75. Fred Ibenda 0774 496 021 M
76. Stephen Kunya Human Resource Specialist 0772 308 993 M (IRCU)
77. James Yesiga Psycho Social Support Specialist 0772 365 171 M (IRCU)
78. Edwin Kayuki Program Specialist Resource 0772 365 951 M Mobilisation (IRCU)
79. Tegiike Marpio 0704 004 699 M
80. Adrabo JB Milly 0772 911 424 F
81. Omuga G Program Officer, Human Rights 0785 724 879 F and Governance (IRCU)
82. Kitanwa Tom IT Specialist IRCU 0722 495 168 M
83. Allan Mufisha IRCU 0772 502 438 M
84. Lydia Cathy Tamale IRCU 0772 648 055 F
85. Kisakye Moses IRCU 0773 327 047 M
86. Kawanguzi Joel IRCU 0783 303 321 M
87. Nyamutoro Faith IRCU 0775 990 097 F
88. Farmu Oyoma Gorreti Intern, IRCU 0785 509 167 F
25 89. Stephen Sebuliba IRCU 0782 480 339 M
90. Okello Charles Former Child Soldier 0773 024 199 M
91. Opira Charles Administartive Assistant, St 0772 649 381 M Monica Girls Technical College [email protected]
92. Arop Alfred St. Monica Girls Technical 0783 096 747 M College
93. Rev. Nelson Yorom Government accountant and [email protected] M representative from South Sudan
94. Anena Lilly Grace Former Child Soldier and 0718 956 751 F Chairperson ‘Dicwini’ Child Mother’s Group
95. Mugabe Day Sean 0705 445 733 M
96. Sheikh. Shaban Mubaje Grand Mufti oF Uganda, and Co- M Chair, African Council of Religious Leaders.
97. Bwambale Fanahas Representative from Obusinga 0772 596 44 F Bwa Rwenzururu (kingdom)
98. Nicholas Nimusiime IRCU 0779 895 643 M
99. Mensoor Swaleh IRCU 0772 516 428 M
100. Agnes Nissalo IRCU 0712 502 701 F
101. Fr. Mbonabingi IRCU HIV/AIDS Thematic 0772 629 820 M Constantine Committee
102. Theodore Kato Secretary General, Uganda 0772 637 040 M Orthodox Church
103. Koomu Ignatius Chairperson, LC 5 Nakeseke 0782 128 417 M
104. Komakech Daniel Lecturer, Gulu University 0777 796 506 M
105. Ojara Martin Chairman LC 5 Gulu 0777 763 640 M Mapenduzi
26 106. Diane Goldin Goldin Institute [email protected] F
107. Bp Justin Edweuuguti Teso Religious Leaders [email protected] M Efforts for Peace and Reconciliation, Soroti District
108. Opobo Jolly Acholi Religious Leaders [email protected] F Peace Initiative Gulu
109. Nancy Apiyo Justice and Reconciliation Project [email protected] F Gulu m
110. Mbaziira Anthony Population Field Management [email protected] M Institute
111. Susan Dianah Alal World Vision Uganda, Gulu [email protected]; F [email protected]
0772 343 599
112. Kakembo Patrick Intern, IRCU 0700 627 319 M
113. Muhet N 0772 928 992 F
114. Charles Awici Program Manager Justice and 0782 931 504 M Governance IRCU
115. Twesigye Gideon IRCU Intern 0705 284 773 M
116. Kayiso F Ag. Director, IRCU 0772 642 883 M
117. Mariam Yusuf Inter-Religious Institute for Peace 0782 454 505 F
27
28