Human Rights Abuses and Marginalization

In addition to LRA attacks, displacement has made northern Ugandans more vulnerable to human rights abuses committed by the Ugandan military, extreme poverty and the infringement of their political rights. Displacement itself is a massive violation of human rights - until recently, displacement was enforced by strict curtailments on freedom of movement, a fundamental violation of rights enshrined in Uganda’s constitution and National IDP Policy. Ongoing peace talks that have improved security and allowed some northerners to return home offer an opportunity to address this legacy and rebuild lives and livelihoods. 

The poorly trained, underpaid and undisciplined Ugandan military that forced northerners into “protected villages” has posed nearly as menacing a threat to civilians as has the LRA. Displaced persons have suffered rape and gender-based sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions and murder at the hands of the national army (UPDF) and local militias (LDUs). For over a decade the Ugandan military used fear to enforce restrictions on freedom of movement – civilians who dared to leave camps to travel or cultivate fields faced the prospect of beatings, accusations of rebel collaboration, forced labor and even death. Restrictions on travel and access to farmland has disrupted livelihoods, economic activity and social networks and forced traditionally independent northerners to be largely dependent on foreign humanitarian aid. 

Human rights violations have often occurred in an atmosphere of impunity, in part because civil conflict and forced displacement allowed the military to assume many civilian police and judicial duties. Most human rights violations have gone unreported because victims fear reprisal or are unable to navigate a civilian judicial infrastructure that is woefully inadequate and financially and geographically inaccessible. In 2006 the ratio of police to civilians in the north was less than half the national average. Efforts to combat the military’s impunity have improved in recent years, especially in the Lango and Teso sub-regions, but, ironically, often government soldiers accused of human rights violations are not given a fair trial before being punished.

Given this context, it is no surprise that northerner’s political freedoms have also fallen prey to displacement. Both LRA and UPDF commanders have allegedly tried to influence northerners in national elections by threatening violence or withdrawal of protection. Security concerns and freedom of movement restriction during election periods have made it difficult, if not impossible, for northerners to travel the long distances to their polling places. The Ugandan military has even met some political gatherings with force - in July 2006 three striking students in Pader district were shot and wounded by local militias. In addition, displacement has greatly weakened traditional political systems that relied on traditional leaders and elders. 

The Ugandan government has outlined ambitious initiatives to boost economic development and strengthen civilian institutions in its National Peace, Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda (PRDP). However, it remains to be seen whether the PRDP will be responsive to northerner’s needs and whether the government and international community will commit the resources and political will needed to translate the plan into reality. If not, it will likely join a graveyard of largely ineffective initiatives such as the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme and the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund. Efforts should also be made to legitimize and strengthen traditional conflict resolutions mechanisms, especially in regards to issues such as land disputes where local knowledge and cultural context are essential elements to achieving justice and maintaining peace.