William Bionx Akena, Uganda-CAN correspondent in northern Uganda, reports -

Padibe IDP camp, with a population of over 38,000 people, is one of the most populated camps in Kitgum district. In a recent interview with Uganda-CAN, Padibe camp leader Grace Atim said that the community there faces chronic water shortages, a poor health services, and a limited food supply from WFP, which has recently been reduced. She also said that efforts by the camp leaders to secure better service provision from local governments and NGOs have failed.

Atim said that the effects of displacement are most severe amongst the youth of the Padibe. They often have little educational opportunities and few prospects for securing employment or a livelihood. Girls often take up prostitution to support aging or sick family members, and their customers often include military personnel and NGO staff. Boys are often left with no choice but to join the Ugandan military. Many elders fear that the strain displacement and violence have placed on traditional cultures will lead have long-term effects even after the war has ended. Atim appealed to the international community to step up its efforts to end the war and support programs targeted at youths.