PROJECTS | Case Studies | Uganda

KICWA – Rehabilitation of former child soldiers and sex slaves

Kitgum Concerned Women’s Association (KICWA) was formed in 1998 by women volunteers who were concerned about the plight of formerly abducted children from Kitgum District in northern Uganda. KICWA runs a Reception and Reintegration Centre that responds to the needs of formerly abducted children and their families. One such child is Anna who is twenty years old.

In January 1999, Anna was abducted by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army). She spent seven years in captivity and returned home in March 2006. This is her story:

“It was a Sunday at around five in the morning when the rebels stormed the village. I was asleep with my sister and a young cousin - I felt someone removing the blanket from me. I opened my eyes and saw a man standing over me - others were outside. They told us to get out of the house and made us carry stolen food and other goods. After seven days of walking I was surprised to find out that we were in Sudan.

“After reaching Sudan all the abductees were assembled and then divided among the commanders. I was taken to a unit known as ‘control’ which was under the command of Joseph Kony. Being young I was not made to do any work. In 2001, when we were told that our camp was open to attack, the commanders instructed us to leave for Nsitu. In Nsitu life completely changed. They made us carry out very hard work such as cutting grass for construction, cooking and of course digging. As part of forceful conscription, I was trained to use the gun although I didn’t use one until 2003 when we had to travel deep into Sudan - I was not involved in many battles though. The only memorable battle I fought was against the Dinkas from Sudan when we were sent to loot their homes.

“In the same year, I was forced by one of the commanders, who I used to live with, to become his wife. I refused and was told to go and live with another man. I soon became pregnant and in December 2005 I gave birth to a baby girl. By the time I gave birth, my ‘husband’ was deployed in Uganda while I stayed in Sudan. One day while cooking, we were told that the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Force) were coming. We became so confused since we didn’t know what to do and where to run. Amidst the confusion, I heard my name being called out and was told not to run. I recognised them as former rebels who later joined the government forces.

“They led us to their base where we spent three days. I was taken to GUSCO reception centre were I spent a month and then I was eventually brought to KICWA Reception Centre for further rehabilitation. After I was referred to KICWA, I felt confidant that I was finally reaching home. This was because my uncle and relatives were brought to meet me. While at the centre, I was provided with medical treatment which continued even after reunification. The life skills education that KICWA gave me has prepared me for other challenges. Due to KICWA’s work with the community, I feel there is increased social acceptance of people like me. Even if I am faced with further challenges, I hope to use the skills that I have acquired from KICWA to overcome these”.