Degree Name
MA in Conflict Management
First Advisor
Paula Green
Abstract
This capstone takes an analytical look at national root causes of conflict and current conflict dynamics throughout Uganda. It is intended to be a general overview of Uganda’s current conflicts and not an in-depth analysis of every conflict in every region. Research was done at the regional level and that information was used to create a broader understanding of conflict dynamics nationally.
A portion of this capstone was taken from a report researched and written by myself for use by CARE Uganda’s new Conflict and Peace Building Program. That report was used to provide CARE Uganda with guidance about where to target their efforts in conflict resolution and peace building in conflict areas and it also supplied information about current conflicts to enable them to incorporate conflict sensitivity in their programming. Fifty interviews were conducted across 6 of Uganda’s conflict regions. Interviewees included: cultural and religious leaders, local politicians, CSO’s, research centers, and elders in their homes or offices.
Findings in regard to current conflict in Uganda identified during research include the roots of conflict as: a lack of national identity, culture of violence, insecurity, and regional and ethnic discrimination. Stemming from those roots are Uganda’s current conflicts: land and natural resource scarcity, politics and governance, militarization, and identity and social-based conflicts. Initiatives for peace building and reconciliation exist at every level from the village, civil society, national, and international levels although there continues to be a lack of validation of the wishes of citizens. Some gaps identified in the current systems included supporting at-risk youth, inclusion of conflict sensitivity within organizations and their programming, and land reform.
In light of the report findings, some recommendations are increased education in rights awareness, targeting at-risk youth through alternative livelihoods, continued efforts in fair governance, and encouraging creation of multi-ethnic CSO’s.
Disciplines
Peace and Conflict Studies
Recommended Citation
Coughlin, Amanda Beth, "Uganda: A National Look At Current Conflict" (2009). Capstone Collection. 1290.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/1290