A Holistic Model for the Rehabilitation and Recovery of Internally Displaced People in War-Torn Uganda

Abstract

This article introduces the current sociopolitical background of internally displaced people in Northern Uganda. Communities have experienced war, murder, rape, abductions, and loss of occupation, loss of land, loss of role, separation, displacement and multiple diseases. Such experiences have created major psychosocial problems for some of these people. The community development work of one occupational therapist working with a humanitarian organisation is described. It is asserted that occupational therapy models and approaches are highly relevant in such situations and that solution-focused, strengths-based approaches are most appropriate.