Prerequisites of return and reintegration for long term internally displaced persons in Northern Uganda

Table of Contents

1. Initial situation and problem definition

2. Goal and aim of study

3. Research design and Instruments:

3.1 Questionnaires

3.1.1 The questionnaire for returnees

3.1.2 The questionnaire for IDPs

3.2 Choosing the district and the camps

3.2.1 Unyama IDP camp

3.2.2 Tetugu IDP camp

4. Demonstration of results

4.1 Data editing

4.2 Demographics

4.2.1 Gender and age

4.2.2 Family structures and marital status

4.2.3 Education

5. Internally Displaced Persons

5.1 The wish to return and possible alternatives

5.1.1 Special case: Extremely Vulnerable Individuals

5.2 Reasons for IDPs to remain in the camps

5.2.1 Lack of housing and assistance

5.2.2 The hope to receive assistance while staying in camp

5.3 Knowing the boundaries of land as a prerequisite for return

5.4 Credit facilities – a possibility for the return progress?

5.5 Direct needs of IDPs

5.6 What would IDPs spend money on?

5.7 Income activities now and after return

6. Reintegration of Returnees

6.1 Trauma and justice

6.2 Spirits

6.3 Integration and comfort

7. Challenges for successful reintegration

7.1 Crime

7.2 Modern life learnt in camp

7.2.1 Mobile phones and television

7.3 Issue of land disputes

7.4 Being forced to return and the consequences

7.4.1 Moving between camp and return site

7.4.2 Landmines

7.5 Trauma hindering integration

8. Governmental approaches

8.1 Distribution of resettlement kits

9. Comparison of IDPs and returnees

9.1 Nightmares

9.2 Income

9.3 Crime

9.4 Care of Extremely Vulnerable Individuals

10. Discussion

11. Final conclusion

12. Limitations

12.1 Supervision for data collection

12.2 Gender differences

12.3 Potential selection bias

12.4 Sensitivity of the study

12.5 Loss in translation

Research Objective and Focus

This study investigates the prerequisites for the successful return and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gulu district of Northern Uganda following the end of long-term armed conflict. It explores the primary motivations for returning, the challenges faced during post-war reintegration, and evaluates the extent to which those who have already returned have achieved social, economic, and cultural stability.

• Analysis of push and pull factors influencing the decision to leave IDP camps.
• Evaluation of the reintegration status of returnees in rural life.
• Identification of barriers to successful resettlement, including trauma, land disputes, and lack of infrastructure.
• Assessment of the role of governmental approaches and external assistance.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Initial situation and problem definition: Discusses the humanitarian context of post-war Northern Uganda, where 1.8 million displaced persons face ongoing challenges despite relative peace.

2. Goal and aim of study: Defines the research objectives, specifically examining the needs of remaining IDPs and the reintegration success of former returnees.

3. Research design and Instruments: Describes the methodology, including the use of standardized questionnaires and the selection process for the research team in Gulu district.

4. Demonstration of results: Presents the demographic analysis of the sample group, including gender, age, family structure, and educational levels.

5. Internally Displaced Persons: Investigates why many IDPs remain in camps, focusing on push/pull factors, land boundary knowledge, and economic challenges.

6. Reintegration of Returnees: Explores the psychological impacts of the conflict, specifically trauma and the perception of justice among those who have returned.

7. Challenges for successful reintegration: Identifies significant barriers to sustainable reintegration, such as crime, loss of traditional culture, and land ownership disputes.

8. Governmental approaches: Evaluates the effectiveness of state-led interventions, such as the Peace Recovery and Development Plan, and the distribution of resettlement aid.

9. Comparison of IDPs and returnees: Contrasts the experiences of those still in camps with those who have returned regarding income, nightmares, and perceptions of crime.

10. Discussion: Synthesizes findings, emphasizing the need for durable solutions for the most vulnerable and the necessity of addressing psychological trauma.

11. Final conclusion: Summarizes the five core prerequisites for successful return and highlights the ongoing need for both material and psychological support.

Keywords

Northern Uganda, IDPs, Returnees, Reintegration, Gulu District, Post-war, Humanitarian Crisis, Displacement Camps, Land Disputes, Trauma, Resettlement, Social Stability, Economic Recovery, Sustainable Peace, LRA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis examines the prerequisites for the return and successful reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gulu district, Northern Uganda, after two decades of armed conflict.

Which thematic areas are central to this work?

The core themes include the drivers of displacement, the push and pull factors influencing the decision to return, the psychological effects of the war, and the socio-economic challenges of post-conflict reintegration.

What is the primary objective of the research?

The primary objective is to determine what is required for IDPs to voluntarily and sustainably leave displacement camps and reintegrate into their original rural communities.

Which research methodology was adopted?

The study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods, including a standardized survey of 178 individuals, conducted in the local Luo language by a trained research team.

What topics are explored in the main body?

The main body covers demographic profiles, barriers like land disputes and trauma, the role of modern versus traditional lifestyles, and the effectiveness of governmental and NGO-led interventions.

Which keywords define this study?

Keywords include Northern Uganda, internally displaced persons (IDPs), reintegration, post-war reconstruction, trauma, and sustainable return.

How does the experience of IDPs differ from returnees regarding trauma?

The study found a highly significant correlation between the state of integration and trauma; IDPs still residing in camps report suffering significantly more from nightmares than those who have successfully returned.

What role do land disputes play in the reintegration process?

Land disputes are a major obstacle to integration, as many people have lost knowledge of traditional boundaries after years of displacement and are now facing conflicts over land value and ownership.

What are the 'Extremely Vulnerable Individuals' (EVIs) mentioned in the study?

EVIs include widows, orphans, the elderly, and the sick. They are often unable to return on their own due to a lack of financial and human capacity, requiring specialized, tailored assistance.