History of Uganda

Why Northern Uganda?

Network for Africa works with local partners in Patongo, Agago District, in the north east of Uganda, home to the Acholi people and an area devastated by conflict for over two decades.

Patongo hosted tens of thousands of refugees and was regularly raided by the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) during a war that lasted for 22 bloody years.

Thousands were killed, millions were displaced, and the LRA abducted more than 50,000 children, forcing them to be soldiers, porters and sex slaves. Almost everyone was forced to abandon their farms to live in dismal and squalid refugee camps, where they have been for more than 20 years.  The war stopped only recently and while many international NGOs have been and continue to be active in Gulu to the west, Patongo was largely neglected, as it was deemed to be too dangerous.

Traditionally a successful farming community, Patongo society has been tested to breaking point.  Alcoholism, sexual and domestic violence, early pregnancy, high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are rife.  A recent survey conducted in conjunction with a local Network for Africa partner showed that one in every four people was forced to kill someone during the war.

Now that the fighting has moved elsewhere, people are returning to their land, trying to rebuild their lives.  However, the region, long politically and economically marginalised, has little infrastructure or resources with which to start again.  For years the region’s only lifeline has been deliveries from the World Food Organisation.  These are scheduled to stop soon, leaving people even more concerned about their basic survival.

Working in post-conflict environments has made Network for Africa acutely aware of the lingering impact of violence.  The need for help to manage PTSD after war and genocide cannot be overstated.  The UN estimates that in Northern Uganda 86% of people were abducted by the LRA or lost a close relative.  In addition, there are a disproportionately high number of orphans and child headed-households as a result of both the war and the AIDS epidemic.  Most orphans missed out on formal education during years of violence and upheaval, and there has been no adult in their lives to pass on vital life skills.  Africa’s economic and social development will be held back as long as so many people struggle to break the cycle of trauma that blights their lives.

Network for Africa’s projects are designed to address PTSD and to offer practical support for rebuilding the community, including social structures and livelihoods.  Our partners are selected for their ability to directly and efficiently deliver training, and to support to people who are motivated to help themselves and their families.  Network for Africa and its partners encourage a sustainable solution driven by local people, making it more likely the benefits will multiply throughout the region.