Healing the Heart of the Hurting: KICA’s Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding Efforts Among Refugees in Uganda
In 2021, KICA Transforms Ministry (KTM) carried out a transformative Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding Training for refugees living in various settlements across Uganda. Home to over 1.5 million refugees from countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda, Uganda faces one of the highest refugee populations globally. Many of these individuals fled their homes due to long-term conflicts, violence, and persecution—carrying with them deep emotional wounds, grief, and trauma.
Guided by its mission—"Reflecting God’s Mercy through Holistic Child and Leadership Development"—KTM organized this training to support healing, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence within refugee communities. The impact of this initiative has been profound, with countless stories of personal transformation.
Lilian Ason, from Adobu Zone in Arua, shared how she lost both relatives and property during the conflict. Overwhelmed by anger and thoughts of revenge, she was burdened emotionally and physically, even suffering ulcers due to stress.
“I realized that by holding onto offenders, I was hurting myself more,” she said. Through the training, she embraced forgiveness and is now committed to encouraging others who struggle with similar pain. A visual lesson likening unforgiveness to carrying a backpack full of bricks was especially eye-opening for her.
Deng Samuel, from Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, told the heartbreaking story of his friend who, after testing HIV positive, fell into despair and eventually joined the military to die on the battlefield. This left Samuel traumatized. Thanks to the training, he now understands how to support others with trauma and is equipped with basic counseling skills.
In Rhino Camp’s Eden Zone, Lugolo Benjamin realized how unresolved conflict not only drove him into the refugee camp but continued to thrive within it. “I now know that many of our conflicts are avoidable and can be resolved peacefully,” he said. “I pledge to become a peace ambassador in my community.”
Apai Mary, from Siripi Zone, recounted a harrowing experience: witnessing her husband and other relatives killed during the South Sudan conflict. She shared, “It’s been hard, but the verses from Psalms 73 and 23 strengthened my faith and helped me start the journey of forgiveness.”
Yunis Wuorgutjalth, from Palabek Refugee Camp, was physically injured in a clan fight, losing two fingers. He has now committed to using his experience to help others avoid conflict and pursue peace.
Perhaps most heartbreaking is the story of Enrita Ezoa, a young woman from Arua. Her journey began with a terrifying escape to Uganda. After witnessing brutal killings during an ambush, she eventually arrived at a refugee settlement, alone and traumatized. Tragically, she was raped during her stay and gave birth to a son who is now four years old. “The man who raped me continues to threaten me. I’ve been moved from one settlement to another. I want to go back to school, but my life feels stuck,” she shared. Despite the pain, she said the training gave her hope: “It has started a healing process in me. All I ask is that you keep visiting us so we can continue to heal.”
These testimonies reflect not just individual pain, but the collective trauma borne by refugee communities. However, they also highlight the power of healing, forgiveness, and peacebuilding when supported by compassion and practical tools. KTM remains committed to journeying with these communities and helping them build a new future—one heart at a time.