Traditional Acholi mechanisms for reintegrating Ugandan child abductees

Abstract

Using a mainly qualitative approach, this paper analyses the presence, significance and efficacy of traditional mechanisms for the protection of children from conflicts and other adverse situations. Contemporary child protection debates seem to put emphasis on the western construction of childhood and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as instruments of child protection. Taking a traditional-modernistic approach this paper argues that in many cases African communities practised and developed very strong and elaborate mechanisms for the observance and preservation of the welfare of children. It examines some of the enduring socio-cultural practices among the Acholi tribe in northern Uganda and their implications for the rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict in the region. Findings suggest that there is strong potential for utilising traditional systems and practices to address rehabilitation and reintegration dynamics among children and young people, but complementary initiatives also need to be implemented to enhance the efficacy and, in some cases, adaptability of these institutions.