Date of Award

Spring 2023

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Political Science

Sponsor

Dr. Dan Chong

Committee Member

Dr. Rachel Newcomb

Committee Member

Dr. Stephanie Gonzalez Guittar

Abstract

During the Northern Ugandan War, the Lord’s Resistance Army kidnapped and recruited 30,000 children and forced them to become soldiers. Nearly twenty years since the end of the war, former child soldiers continue to experience extreme poverty, psychological distress, and social isolation. For many, the economic hardship they face, due to stigma and missing out on school, is their greatest challenge upon returning home. This paper analyzes the strategies used by the government and non-state actors to reintegrate former child soldiers back into the Ugandan economy. These strategies are then compared to best practices in the field using secondary research and semi-structured interviews with experts. While some best practices, such as the inclusion of psychosocial supports, were followed more closely, reintegration in Uganda ultimately failed to successfully follow best practices. Its effectiveness was also hindered by other barriers such as lack resources and political will. Next steps for reintegration in Uganda are also discussed.

Rights Holder

Capri Gutiérrez

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