Kampala’s Skies Bring Back Traumatic Memories for Sudanese Refugees
The recent Ugandan general elections brought an unexpected challenge for Sudanese refugees in Kampala. The sound of security planes flying over the city triggered traumatic memories of war for many children and women. Despite escaping the conflict, the refugees found themselves reliving the fear and anxiety they thought they had left behind.
For Mohammed Yassin, a Sudanese refugee, the experience was particularly distressing for his three children. Whenever a plane flew overhead, they would run for cover, fearing bombs would be dropped. Yassin had to reassure them repeatedly that the planes were not a threat, but the scene would repeat itself the next day. This experience highlights the deep-seated impact of war on the children’s psyche, which can be triggered by even the slightest reminder of the conflict.
A similar incident was reported by another refugee, who preferred to remain anonymous. While her children played normally as a plane flew low over their neighborhood, their mother, who comes from the city of Omdurman, was overcome with fear and panic. She rushed out of the house, trying to get her children to safety, unaware of her surroundings. This contrast between the children’s calmness and their mother’s distress underscores the varying impact of psychological trauma within a single family.
Dr. Ibtisam Mahmoud Ahmed, a psychology consultant, notes that war survivors often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as sudden panic attacks or intrusive flashbacks when exposed to triggers like the sound of airplanes. She emphasizes the importance of providing psychosocial support services to refugees, particularly children and women, who are more vulnerable to psychological trauma.
The lack of systematic assessment, treatment, and psychological support following conflicts can lead to more serious mental disorders, such as depression or psychosis. Dr. Ahmed warns that ignoring psychological trauma can have long-lasting effects on an entire generation of children, potentially leading to a societal catastrophe characterized by escalating violence and social unrest.
The experiences of Sudanese refugees in Kampala serve as a reminder of the need for comprehensive mental health services, including specialized psychosocial support programs. As Dr. Ahmed notes, the continued suffering of refugees from panic attacks, years after their displacement, is a serious indicator of the lack of mental health services. It is essential to address this issue to prevent long-term consequences and ensure the well-being of those affected by conflict.
