Community based reintegration of ex- Combatants with disabilities in Muyumbu village: achievements and challenges

Abstract

This study examines the Community Based Reintegration of Ex-combatants with Disabilities in Muyumbu Village: Achievements and Challenges. The study aims to examine the contribution of Integrated Rehabilitation and Integrated Workshops (IRPWs) center of Muyumbu in reintegration of XCWDs. This study is a qualitative design and used semi-structured interview guide and FGDs to collect data from voluntary respondents. Three FGDs and semi structured interviews were used to collect data. The study presents and interprets data collected by using narrative analysis which is focused on oral narrative of personal experience and hermeneutic interpretative analysis. The findings show that IRPWs center of Muyumbu contribute to the improvement of the livelihood and professionalism of XCWDs and community members of Muyumbu Village through employment and access to credit, medical and counseling supports and through recreative and social events. IRPWs center contributes to social cohesion among XCWDs and community members of Muyumbu Village. It was found that family related factors and humanmade environment related factors are more enablers or barriers to community reintegration rather than natural enablers or barriers. The mentioned challenges led the researcher to the conclusion and recommendations. To address them, many efforts cross multi-stakeholders are needed. These include the sensitization of XCWDs to make saving for their future through different saving opportunities and to mainstream disabled during planning. Institutions and organs responsible for XCWDs ought to work together in monitoring the management of IRPWs centers; to ensure their effectiveness.