ABSTRACT [n Northern Uganda, the conflict that began in 1986 ravaged the region for a period of more than 20 years. During this period, children suffered the most. Thousands of children were systematically 1bducted and forced to participate in the conflict actively as fighters, wives, servants, and others 1ave lost their lives. Some of the formerly abducted children have since returned. The aim of this ; the study is to examine the contribution of NGOs in addressing the welfare of formerly abducted: children in northern Uganda. n this study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted. A total of 30 respondents, returnee children, GUSCO administrators, and local leaders were interviewed by se of the questionnaire, interview guide, sample technique and focus group discussions. 'he results of the study show that GUSCO has had enormous contributions towards the ~habilitation of former child soldiers. The organization has put in place services such as community sensitization, Mediation, and Sensitization. program for other children in the community 1d Ongoing access to health care were in place. However, a couple of problems are encountered 1 their attempt to offer these services such as insufficient funds, resistance from the children, ck of cooperation from the local community, and still threats from the rebels. Children 1erwhelmingly appreciated the services offered to them by GUSCO, although they still go rough some problems as they adapt to the community such as stigma and rejection. It is therefore important to put in place things like vocational schools, rehabilitation centers for unsealing and trauma treatment, and community sensitization among others.
