An Analysis of the Ugandan Legal Framework Governing the Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers (Between 2006 and 2019)

Abstract

Uganda has numerous legal frameworks on reintegration in place. However, the exercise has been marred by the ineffective implementation of the laws and policies, caused by gaps and contradictions within the regulations, as well as unsuccessful reintegration which results from social and cultural breakdown, unstable government, poverty, inadequate funding, corruption, and lack of coherence in transitional justice mechanisms. This research hypothesises that the successful reintegration of child soldiers in Uganda is contingent on the effective ratification and implementation of legal frameworks. In arriving at this position, reintegration of former child soldiers in Uganda has been analysed through doctrinal and non-doctrinal studies comprising qualitative research methods whereby doctrinal studies undertook a rigorous exposition of legal doctrines, concepts, principles, and rules while non-doctrinal studies focused on other disciplines such as the political, economic and social aspects. Lessons from other jurisdictions (Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo) have been used to analyse the approaches used in reintegrating former child soldiers back in society.