Support groups have become an integral part of RLP’s strategy for ensuring that greater and greater numbers of forced migrants in Uganda receive the support they need. With RLP’s help, refugees and former IDPs organize into support groups based on mutual interest, such as The Association of Torture Survivors, The Persons With Disabilities Support Group, etc. The support groups provide a way for forced migrants to share resources and discuss ways of overcoming mutual challenges. They replace traditional support systems lost during war and displacement. In doing so, they act a source of empowerment, self-esteem and self-reliance for forced migrants and their families. Finally, the support groups are a way to reach a greater number of people when RLP’s services are often limited by funding and resource constraints. Over the years, RLP has helped establish 15 support groups that are directly and indirectly affiliated with RLP’s five programme areas.