Women and Sexual Violence in Conflict: A Case of Northern Uganda

While sexual violence and rape have been a practice against men and women during civil war and conflict, women (and girls) faced challenges of accessing justice in post-war periods where institutions and practices remain patriarchal. This study analyses cases of sexual violence and rape in Nwoya district in Northern Uganda. It examines the ways in which the government has addressed the challenges of re-integrating the survivors of sexual violence into society. It discusses the significance of the Mato Oput as a traditional transitional justice system in this process and argues for a coordinated and collaboration between different agencies as well as increased gender awareness in dealing with the victims of sexual violence. While progress has been made in providing retribution and support to the victims, much still remains to be done to ensure a sense of security in the lives of women in Nwoya and society, as well as providing them with legal, social and economic assistance.