The "Study on Reparations in Uganda of 2016" was conducted in response to the recommendations from national consultations on Traditional Justice, Truth-Telling, and National Reconciliation in 2011 and 2013. The study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a reparations program in Uganda to provide remedies and justice for victims of conflict-related crimes.
Undertaken by the Uganda Law Reform Commission on behalf of the Directorate of Legal and Advisory Services of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the study sought to promote healing, reconciliation, and social reintegration while contributing to peace and security. Qualitative methods were employed, involving consultations with stakeholders at various levels, including affected communities, beneficiaries, victims, and civil society organizations, in regions impacted by conflict.
The study revealed that most respondents were unaware of reparations, with most knowledge concentrated in conflict-affected areas. Victims identified included orphans, widows, individuals who lost property, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and those with physical injuries. However, certain categories, such as members of government armed forces and their families, government officials, and religious leaders, were not recognized as victims.
Murder, property loss, trauma, and SGBV were identified as the worst forms of harm suffered, with physical injuries, SGBV, and psychosocial conditions constituting the majority (63%) of the harm. Challenges to implementing a reparations program included the large number of potential beneficiaries, financing sources, politicization, lack of transparency in distribution, corruption, and inadequate victim identification procedures.
To address these challenges, the study recommended robust sensitization efforts on reparations, clarifying its meaning and components, as well as defining victims and beneficiaries. It further advised designing a reparations program to address medical and psychosocial needs, livelihoods, education for orphaned children and youth, and building memorials and reburials.
The study highlighted a preference for the government to take responsibility for reparations, as it is viewed as the state's duty to protect its citizens.
In conclusion, the "Study on Reparations in Uganda of 2016" provided crucial insights into the importance of reparations to address the grievances of conflict victims, enhance reconciliation, and promote a lasting peace in Uganda. It outlined recommendations to create an effective and transparent reparations program that would address the diverse needs of victims and promote national healing and reintegration.
The study was published in a report which available for download on the Commission website;
www.ulrc.go.ug
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