Local peace-building initiatives: A case study of Concerned Parents’ Association in Lira Municipality

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to assess the contribution of, and challenges faced by, CPA-U in its peace-building efforts in Lira Municipality as a case study. In so doing, it concentrated on the organizations’ programs of rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees, psychosocial support of war-affected families and communities, and community reconciliation. The study revealed that according to the majority of the respondents, the work being done by CPA-U has a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. The general implication of this is that the beneficiaries are appreciative of the efforts of CPA-U towards peace-building within Lira Municipality. However, despite the above fact, the majority still rated its work in relation to the above programs as only fairly successful. This implies that they believe the organization has not achieved its optimum performance level and can still do better with a little more effort and commitment. According to the research, the impact of CPA-U on peace-building has been compromised by a number of factors which are individual related in respect to the returnees, community related, organizational related in respect to CPA-U itself, and government related. In view of the above findings, the study proposes that for CPA-U to have a positive impact on peace-building within Lira Municipality, it must make appropriate adjustments in relation to the funding of its activities, personnel capacity development and job description especially with regard to the role of the BOT. In addition, the study recommended the need for teamwork and networking among all the stakeholders in the peace-building process within the conflict zone. This requires the active involvement of both the core parties and the other external players in the conflict situation.