The report presents findings from Mercy Corps’ EKISIL(EKISIL - transliterated as “peace” in the Ng’akarimojong language) program, which aims to promote peace in Karamoja through community-based trauma healing.
The study focuses on the Rising Sun approach, a localized trauma-healing model designed to rebuild relationships and foster “collective community rebirth.” Survey data shows that Rising Sun participants reported stronger agency, including greater confidence in shaping their future and accessing training, and increased civic engagement and trust in authorities, compared to those in communities not receiving the intervention. The findings underscore that trauma healing can meaningfully contribute to both horizontal and vertical social cohesion, and should be treated as a foundational component of peacebuilding.