The Role of the community in building resilience in child headed households in post conflict Northern Uganda

Abstract

This study investigates the role of community involvement in building resilience among child-headed households in post-conflict northern Uganda, with a focus on Gulu district. Utilizing a socio-ecological framework, it explores the emergence of child-headed households as a consequence of armed conflict and HIV/AIDS, which have undermined traditional family and community support systems. The research identifies the needs and constraints faced by child-headed households, analyzes the contributions and limitations of traditional care systems, and assesses community attitudes towards these vulnerable groups. Key findings reveal that while communities have the potential to support resilience-building through psychosocial, material, and structural support, they often struggle due to weakened socio-economic systems, dependency on external aid, and limited capacity to respond effectively to the needs of orphaned children. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering community-driven, sustainable interventions, strengthening informal care systems, and leveraging local resources to ensure the well-being and resilience of child-headed households. Recommendations include capacity-building initiatives for communities, policy advocacy, and integration of child protection mechanisms into broader recovery and development strategies. The research contributes to understanding community-based approaches to child welfare and informs policy frameworks aimed at supporting vulnerable children in post-conflict settings