ABSTRACT
From 1987 to 2007, Northern Uganda was embroiled in a violent conflict that left tens of thousands of children traumatized and forced into being soldiers. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony was responsible for terrorizing communities and abducting children, many of whom were girls, to train them as child soldiers. These children experienced severe losses, including relationships with their family and community, loss of formal education, malnutrition, illness, and loss of childhood. Abducted girls were also subjected to sexual violence and forced marriage. The LRA's tactics led to severe disruptions in the lives of child soldiers, making reintegrating into society after the conflict an arduous process. This chapter is based on ethnographic research and fieldwork conducted with former girl soldiers in communities of Northern Uganda. The research investigated the emotional, social, cultural, and socio-economic aspects of loss that child soldiers endured during and after conflict. This chapter highlights the challenges faced by former girl soldiers and the impact of loss and grief on their lives. The psychological and emotional effects of loss and grief often impede successful reintegration into post-war societies, making the transition to civilian life a difficult one.
