Govt told to establish comprehensive reparations for conflict victims

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The Government has been asked to establish a comprehensive reparations framework for victims of armed conflicts.

“We call upon the government to establish a National Transitional Justice Policy that provides a legal and policy framework for reparations,” Francis Tuhaise of the Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice (RFPJ) says.

"There is a need to prioritise the welfare of victims by creating a structured system that guarantees compensation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society," he adds.

In a statement dated March 3, 2025, RFPJ executive director Tuhaise outlines key recommendations to ensure justice and support for victims and stresses the importance of government intervention to address the consequences of past conflicts and to promote sustainable peace.

According to him, five major areas need urgent attention to achieve meaningful reparations for victims:

• Legal and Policy Framework – The government should urgently pass a National Transitional Justice Policy to set the legal foundation for reparations. Without a structured legal approach, victims remain neglected and their rights to compensation remain unfulfilled.
• Financial Support for Victims – A reparations fund should be established to support victims in rebuilding their lives. This fund should provide financial assistance for medical care, psychological support, and livelihood restoration.
• Involvement of Stakeholders – The process of implementing reparations should involve victims, civil society organizations, and development partners to ensure an inclusive approach that reflects the real needs of those affected.

The acting commissioner Child and Family Protection Dept in Uganda Police Force, ACP Atuhaire Maureen (left) joins assistant commissioner monitoring and Evaluation – Office of the Prime minister, Timothy Lubanga (second left), the board member of AFRI child Judy Kamanyi (third left), Director in the Directorate of Economic Affairs and Research (DEAR) at Office of the President and Cabinet, Vincent Tumusiime (second right) and the Executive director of AFRI child Timothy Opobo (right) cut Rippon during the launch of the multi-sectoral child wellbeing Research uptake forum at Ntinda, Kampala.

• Long-term Support Programs – The government must design and implement sustainable rehabilitation programs to help victims reintegrate into society, including mental health support, vocational training, and economic empowerment initiatives.
• Accountability for Perpetrators – While reparations focus on the victims, the government must also uphold justice by holding perpetrators accountable. Addressing impunity is crucial in ensuring that communities feel secure and that history does not repeat itself.Background

Background

Uganda has experienced several armed conflicts over the years, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in northern Uganda, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) conflicts in the Rwenzori region, and other localised conflicts in Karamoja and Teso.

These conflicts have left thousands displaced, traumatised, and economically devastated.

Despite several initiatives aimed at post-conflict recovery, many victims continue to struggle without proper support. 

The Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) developed a Transitional Justice Policy in 2019, but its implementation has been slow. 

Survivors of war crimes, abductions, and gender-based violence have continuously appealed for justice and reparations, but limited government action has prolonged their suffering.

Tuhaise says addressing past injustices is not only about compensating victims but also about promoting national healing and reconciliation.

“Uganda cannot achieve lasting peace without acknowledging and addressing the pain of those affected by conflict,” he said.

The forum believes that a government-led reparation programme, backed by legal policies and financial resources, will provide hope for victims and contribute to national stability.

“We urge the Government to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to design a reparations framework that meets international human rights standards,” Tuhaise stated.

To him, this is not just about providing financial aid; it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring that survivors have a chance at rebuilding their lives.

Conflict trauma requires that victims get effective remedies for the country to realize short-term and long-term peace.

About RFPJ

RFPJ is a CSO established in 2002 to act as a convergence of synergies to foster sustainable peace, non-violence and respect for human rights in Uganda.