In many communities affected by risks of violent extremism, reintegration begins not with programmes or policies, but with a shift in mindset. Under the Peace Beyond Borders project implemented by Prospect Initiative (UGANDA), Pole Institute (DRC) and the Kofi Annan Foundation with support from the European Union, local leaders, development officers, and community actors in Uganda are changing how they understand and engage returnees, former combatants, widows of former royal guards, and other vulnerable groups.
What started as recognition of a gap has evolved into coordinated action that is reshaping community safety, inclusion, and resilience.
The moment everything changed
Before the project began, engagement with returnees was often overlooked. For some frontline actors, reintegration was not seen as part of their responsibility.
A Community Development Officer in Munkunyu reflected:
“I did not see the importance of engaging returnees—it never even crossed my mind. I know someone in my neighbourhood who is a returnee, but I would just see him and pass by without any special concern. I now understand that engaging such people is important for the safety of the whole community.”
From silence to active engagement
In Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese district, community leaders now participate directly in meetings with ex-combatants and returnees, offering support and reinforcing acceptance.
Agaba Sarah from AFODE, a local partner described the shift:
“Thanks to the knowledge you’ve shared, we’ve significantly changed the leaders’ mindset on ex-combatants. Now the community leaders join every meeting with the returnees and they are appreciative.”
Reintegration through livelihoods and opportunity
Beyond dialogue, change is being translated into tangible opportunities.
In Maliba sub-county, vulnerable groups are being linked to existing government livelihood programmes. Widows of former royal guards have been integrated into the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, while former royal guards themselves have registered as a group and joined the Parish Development Model.
Labong Ruth, a Community Development Officer, explained:
“Widows have been integrated into the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. Royal guards have registered a group; we encouraged them to join the Parish Development Model project.”
By connecting at-risk groups to national development initiatives, reintegration becomes sustainable rather than temporary.
An Agricultural Officer highlighted the preventive dimension:
“If we don’t engage former extremists, they may regroup. My role is to ensure they benefit from PDM and other projects so they remain productive.”
Healing through community and faith-based support
Faith-based leaders now conduct weekly counseling sessions and regular visits to support returnees and their families. One returnee, after sustained engagement, has secured land and begun making bricks to build a home—an example of gradual reintegration grounded in stability and self-reliance.
These efforts reflect a broader understanding that belonging, dignity, and social connection are critical for preventing relapse into harmful networks.
Strengthening vigilance through dialogue
The project has also strengthened coordination between development and security actors. In Makindye, local security leadership convened dialogues with mosque leaders to discuss violent extremism risks and reinforce community vigilance mechanisms.
Across other sub-localities, Community Development Officers have committed to connecting identified returnees to appropriate support programmes following coordination with internal security officers.
By transforming both attitudes and systems, reintegration is becoming more than a programme outcome. It is emerging as a community-led pathway toward resilience, trust, and long-term prevention.
Learn more about the Peace Beyond Borders Project
