Conflict Memory, the Ugandan perspective
Start Date
9-8-2010 1:30 PM
End Date
9-8-2010 3:00 PM
Description
Uganda is a country that has experienced internal conflicts since the time of colonization in 1800s by the British, and more so after the independence in 1962. The British used the "divide and rule" approach, as well as indirect rule which created much suspicions and stereotypes among the people. The country is composed of over sixty different ethnic groups who are still settled in their own ancestral land. Almost every group has suffered and was hurt during the different conflicts: Kabaka palace invasion, Amin brutal regime, Obote II massacres in Luwero, Revenge Killings in West Nile, and the over 20 years of conflict in northern Uganda. These conflicts have created a big challenge of establishing a strong sense of Ugandan identity, instead of the tribal ones which are still felt greatly. As time passes by, many people, and especially the politicians tend to exploit these bad memories by telling different stories about the conflicts, so as to suit their own agenda. The questions are: who should control the memory? How can these memories be documented without doing further damage to the fragile peace and unity of the nation?
Conflict Memory, the Ugandan perspective
Uganda is a country that has experienced internal conflicts since the time of colonization in 1800s by the British, and more so after the independence in 1962. The British used the "divide and rule" approach, as well as indirect rule which created much suspicions and stereotypes among the people. The country is composed of over sixty different ethnic groups who are still settled in their own ancestral land. Almost every group has suffered and was hurt during the different conflicts: Kabaka palace invasion, Amin brutal regime, Obote II massacres in Luwero, Revenge Killings in West Nile, and the over 20 years of conflict in northern Uganda. These conflicts have created a big challenge of establishing a strong sense of Ugandan identity, instead of the tribal ones which are still felt greatly. As time passes by, many people, and especially the politicians tend to exploit these bad memories by telling different stories about the conflicts, so as to suit their own agenda. The questions are: who should control the memory? How can these memories be documented without doing further damage to the fragile peace and unity of the nation?