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Journal of Refugee Studies 2007 20(4):641-661; doi:10.1093/jrs/fem036
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© The Author [2007]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Coping with Life in Rebel Captivity and the Challenge of Reintegrating Formerly Abducted Boys in Northern Uganda

Kennedy Amone-P’Olak

Department of Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, University Medical Centre, Groningen, NL-9700 VB, Netherlands

k.p.amone{at}med.umcg.nl

In this qualitative study of 134 formerly abducted adolescent boys at four rehabilitation centres in Northern Uganda, the boys described their lives in rebel captivity and coping strategies and suggested ways of reintegration. They witnessed, endured and participated in hideous atrocities while in rebel captivity. Vigilance, absolute obedience, and cooperation with their captors; prayer and hope; denial, blaming others, constant preparedness to flee; use of traditional medicine; and resilience and perseverance, were some of the coping strategies they employed while in captivity and during escape. Once out of captivity, they suggested a reintegration agenda sensitive to their economic wellbeing and social relations in the context of their culture and tradition. They proposed psychosocial activities, vocational and entrepreneurial skills training, provision of credit facilities, and an education system that recognizes their background and needs. However, all these should be viewed in the context of huge resource limitations and the continuing conflict.

Key Words: abduction • captivity • coping • reintegration • Northern Uganda

MS received December 1, 2005 ; revised MS received February 1, 2007
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