Governance and Peace Studies

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Browsing Governance and Peace Studies by Subject "Ethnic"

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    Ethnic Kingship and Inter-Ethnic Relations: Assessing Ethnic Conflicts of the Rwenzori Region of Western Uganda.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Ayaa, Doreen, Brenda
    AYAA DOREEN BRENDA (2012-M161-10003) Ethnic Kingship and Inter-Ethnic Relations: Assessing Ethnic Conflicts of the Rwenzori Region of Western Uganda In the earlier years of the 20th century, kingdoms expanded in their territorial boundaries through annexation of other lands. In the process, a kingdom would be encompassed by many cultural and different ethnic groupings. Today, however, contrary to this, what we see in Uganda is that, kingdoms and other cultural institutions are formed basing on ethnicity with different ethnic groups breaking away from their former entities to form their own cultural institutions on grounds that they have different cultures. This has given rise to what this study terms ethnic kingships. From this study, it is evident that ethnic kingship has proven to be a common source of conflict in different communities within Uganda such as the Rwenzori Region, Bunyoro kingdom, Buganda kingdom as well as the northern Region of the country. Since its restoration in 2009, the Obusinga cultural institution has been at the centre of conflict in the Rwenzori Region as other ethnicities in 205 the same Region have often opposed the one ethnic (Konjo) kingship in favour of having their own kings. The study focused on assessing the impact of ethnic kingship and its relations with the ethnic conflicts of the Rwenzori Region of western Uganda with focus on the Obusinga cultural institution and inter-ethnic relations. It was guided by three objectives; determining how ethnic kingship contributes to the ethnic conflict in Rwenzori Region, assessing the levels of ethnic conflict in Rwenzori Region and, suggesting ways in which ethnicities can live together in Rwenzori Region. The study revealed that ethnic kingship has indeed had an impact on subjects of the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu to the extent of getting an assailable idea of forming a state called the YIRA state republic. The segregation of the institution in its operations and forceful imposition of the Bakonjo culture and leadership on the different ethnicities has influenced the different ethnicities to form separate entities where they could be in position to promote their own cultures, languages and be autonomous in their decisions. For a peaceful Uganda, the study recommends formation of cultural institutions by the different ethnicities, government intervention, mediation and dialogue among elders as a way forward for reconciliation to take place in the Rwenzori Region in order for the different ethnicities to co-exist. This brings in a wider consideration on other culture institutions in Uganda as it poses a question whether it is necessary for Uganda to have ethnicities with kings and whether for a united Uganda these separatisms are necessary. Key words: Ethnic, Conflict, Rwenzori, Bakonzo, Bamba
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    Ethnic Land Conflict in the Rwenzori Lowlands: towards a Peaceful Land use between the Bakonjo and the Basongora in Nyakatonzi Sub-county, Kasese District.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2011) Akello, Monica
    AKELLO MONICA (2012-M161-10011) Ethnic Land Conflict in the Rwenzori Lowlands: towards a Peaceful Land use between the Bakonjo and the Basongora in Nyakatonzi Sub-county, Kasese District Conflicts over land are common throughout history in most human societies more especially in Africa. This is because land is more than just land since it has economic, cultural or religious and social significance in their lives. More to this in Africa, land is also is a major point of independence. So, these various attached significances to land make land conflict very common among African societies. This study, however, was geared towards exploring possible means of enforcing peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora. In light of this, the study also established the factors hindering the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora; it also assessed the impacts of the land conflict on the Bakonjo and the Basongora, and also examined the interventions that have been taken to stop the ethnic land conflict between the Bakonjo and the Basongora. Given the nature of the study which required exploring possible means of enforcing peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora, a qualitative research approach was used. The study also used case-study research design. With regards to sample techniques, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. For the data collection tools and instruments, the researcher used a focus group discussion where a focus group discussion guide was designed to collect the data. The second tool and instrument which was used was interviews where the researcher designed an interview guide to collect data from the respective respondents. As regards to exploring the peaceful means of enforcing the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora which was the major objective, the respondents suggested that the Basongora should be taught zero grazing to minimize on the movements which they believe is fueling the land conflict. Other respondents argued that there should be a separation of the district so that the Bakonjo and the Basongora are separated. The respondents also suggested that the government should hand over some government controlled land to the people in order to increase the little land available. The study also found that there was need for re-demarcation of the land to separate the Bakonjo and the Basongora’s land. The respondents also called on the use of dialogue between the cultural leaders of the conflicting parties so that the conflict can be resolved. Finally, in enforcing peaceful land use of the low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora, the study found out that there is need for good governance to prevail. It should be noted that in the study, much as exploring the peaceful means of enforcing the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora is the main objective of the study, the researcher presents it last for easy follow up. The researcher thought it better to first establish the factors hindering the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora, then assess the impact of the ethnic land conflict on the Bakonjo and the Basongora and also examine the interventions that were taken in trying to resolve the land conflict between the Bakonjo and the Basongora and finally explore the peaceful means of enforcing the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori low lands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora. It should also be noted that in the study, the factors hindering the peaceful land use of the Rwenzori lowlands between the Bakonjo and the Basongora are also referred to as the factors fueling the ethnic land conflict between the Bakonjo and the Basongora. Key words: Conflict, Ethnic, Rwenzori, Bakonzo, Basongora, Land
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    Politics and Ethnic Conflict: The Influence of Political Manipulation in the Polarisation of Ethnic Communities in Harugali, Bundibungyo District, Western Uganda.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Odur, William, Ongoro
    ODUR WILLIAM ONGORO PETER (2012-M161-10010) Politics and Ethnic Conflict: The Influence of Political Manipulation in the Polarisation of Ethnic Communities in Harugali, Bundibungyo District, Western Uganda Resolving ethnic conflicts across the world has been a challenge. Indeed, more than a decade now in the 21st century multifaceted ethnic conflicts associated with politics and State intervention in the context of struggles for self-governance, social and economic independence, and recognition and preservation of self-identity. These ethnic conflicts pose a threat to States‟ security, political, social and economic stability. We witness also this in the case of Uganda, in particular the Rwenzori region where ethnic tensions take a drastic move between the Bamba-Babwsisi and Bakonzo communities in Bundibugyo district. 208 The purpose of this study is to analytically explore the influence of political manipulation in the polarisation of ethnic communities in Harugali sub-county, Bundibugyo district of western Uganda. The study aimed specifically at establishing the elements of political manipulation of ethnic differences in the polarisation of ethnic communities in Harugali sub-county; to find out the reactions to political manipulation of ethnic difference, and to establish measures for managing reactions to political manipulation by the ethnic communities. The study was a qualitative research with a single case study on individuals‟ perceptions and interpretation on the question of political manipulation of ethnic difference leading to the ethnic tensions. Interviews and focus group discussions were methods used for collecting data for the study. The study found that the core elements of political manipulation as means of achieving political interests include demand for self-governance and recognition of social, economic, cultural and political right of formation of kingdoms, or demand for a new district. The study found out that stereotyping as an instrument or element of political manipulation for political interests fueled the ethnic conflict between Bamba-Babwisi in Bundibugyo district. The study also established that land is a major issue especially on the question of geopolitical boundaries between the ethnic communities pressed by the high demand for resources and creation of a new district advocated by the politicians. The study ascertained that there were ineffective measures for managing the tensions caused by a number of factors such as fear of political heresy against the government, strong attachment to one’s ethnic group, and fear of being considered too soft and submissive to the interest of a particular ethnic group. And that the government used repression and militarily force as a measure to reduce the tensions between the Bakonzo and Bamba-Babwisi ethnic communities in Harugali, Bundibugyo district. The study generally concludes that in pursuit of their political interests, politicians politicise and manipulate ethnicity for the sake of power and other socio-economic, cultural and political gains. The political interests are achieved through ethnic mobilisation and other means to demand for self-governance, formation and recognition of kingdoms as well as creation of new district for the realisation of these huge economic, social, cultural and political benefits. Key: words: Conflict, Ethnic, Political, Polarisation, Manipulate, Influence, Bakonzo, Bamba
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    Politics and the Shaping of Ethnic Conflict among Bamba and Bakonjo Community in Bundibugyo District.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Angee, Beatrice
    ANGEE BEATRICE (2012-M-I6I-10001) Politics and the Shaping of Ethnic Conflict among Bamba and Bakonjo Community in Bundibugyo District The study explores politics and the shaping of ethnic conflict among Bakonjo and Bamba communities in Bundibugyo. It was prompted by the protracted tribal conflict between the Bamba and Bakonjo over contested space in cultural institution. The study was guided by examining the way political growth has impacted on ethnic conflict; the political attempts are used in resolving ethnic conflicts and to suggest ways on how politics can be an instrument of peace in resolving ethnic conflict. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to enhance data collection at a single point in time. The study tested the inter-item consistency reliability using Cronbach alpha. The data were collected from a target population of 80 out of which 66 questionnaires were returned fully answered. Purposive and systematic random sampling were used. Frequency tables and charts were used to present data. The study findings on political growth were; ethnic conflict is still underway, independence of the nation insignificantly reduced on ethnic conflict and democratic rule in the country increased tribal conflict; On political attempts, it was found out that peace and conflict resolution programmes in place are not equipped enough to curb the ethnic conflict. Education has not done much to make known the effects of the tribal conflict. On suggested ways to avert the ethnic conflict; cultural institution be granted. The government should play a vital role in reducing the ethnic conflict through direct involvement in peace talks. The notable recommendation on political growth was that government of Uganda should get involved and possibly get a mediator from outside the region of Rwenzori. People should be sensitised on the disasters of an ethnic conflict. On Political attempts; Bamba should be granted their own kingdom and demarcation of their land. Curriculum should be improved so as to cater for peaceful co-existence. On suggested ways; Bamba should be allowed to elect their leader. Peace building institutions should be aided and the government should make effort to put boundaries on land allocated to ethnic groups. Key words: Politics, Ethnic, Conflict, Bakonzo, Bamba, Community