Summary

In recent years, several researchers have conducted qualitative studies of the factors influencing peace and justice considerations in northern Uganda, primarily comprising interviews with Ugandan government officials, humanitarian workers, traditional and religious leaders, former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) members, and others. These studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the challenges policymakers face in their efforts to end 19 years of war. Yet, most research has not included population-based data that represent the spectrum of attitudes and opinions of those most affected by the violence. This report seeks to fill that void. The report is based on the preliminary analysis of quantitative data collected from interviews with 2,585 residents of four northern districts — Gulu and Kitgum (both Acholi districts), and Lira and Soroti (both non-Acholi districts). The interviews were conducted by teams of trained interviewers led by researchers from the Human Rights Center (HRC), University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). Makerere University Institute of Public Health partnered with UC Berkeley on two of the districts. The interviews took place between April 20 and May 2, 2005, using a structured questionnaire.