Access to land and reintegration of formerly abducted women in Gulu District, Northern Uganda

Abstract

New Wars differ in nature and context from Old Wars. As a result, more civilians, and therefore an increasing number of women and children, suffer the structural damages of this kind of conflict. These range from abduction at a young age and abuse while in captivity. Reintegration of these victims of conflict is thus vital for realizing peace and stability. Despite having come back home over a decade ago and undergone various reintegration programs, many formerly abducted women in Gulu who came back with children born in captivity are faced with various challenges to reintegration. This qualitative study explored the impact of access to land on reintegration of formerly abducted women who came back with children born in captivity; many of whose paternity is not known, with the aim of establishing how access to land would fully reintegrate them. The study examined the nature of these formerly abducted women, the norms regarding access to land for women in Gulu, and the challenges of reintegration. Using a cross-sectional design, the researcher employed various tools for data collection like; Focus group discussions with the formerly abducted mothers, and members of the community. Key informant interviews were held with Local government officials, religious and cultural leaders. Data collected was presented and analyzed into themes in accordance with the specific objectives. The study revealed that perception of society is a defining factor for many of these women and their children and it has resulted in where they live, and what they do to earn a living. Land in Gulu is owned by the clan and the practices of succession and access are gender insensitive and chauvinistic, as land is passed on to male descendants and very little apportioned to women. Government and relevant authorities should come up with strategies to ensure that these women and their children have access to ownership and use of land so as to fully reintegrate them and their children and mitigate the possibility of conflict recurring.