Changing conflict dynamics in Karamoja, Uganda

The report “We now have relative peace”: changing conflict dynamics in northern Karamoja, Uganda by Kimberly Howe et al with Mercy Corps (2015, 25pp) is based on research by the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University and Mercy Corps in northern Karamoja, Uganda. Most pastoralists in this area have settled and become agropastoralists. The study examined changing conflict dynamics and related conflict-mitigation and peace-building initiatives, intra-clan and inter-ethnic relationships, and relationships between residents and various conflict-mitigation actors. It found that:

Overall security in northern Karamoja has improved because large-scale cattle raiding has decreased as a result of the widespread forced disarmament since 2006 and the more recent Moruitit Resolution, whereby a thief is required to return twice the number of stolen animals plus one additional animal. Communities that protect livestock thieves are also held responsible. Improved security has increased freedom of movement for both men and women and led to increased food security and access to more livelihood activities.
The major threats to security are now within households and villages, and include theft of household and agricultural assets committed by lonetia (“thugs”) and gender-based violence (domestic violence and forced marriage of girls). Victims of both types of insecurity have limited options for assistance, whether from the village leaders or local Peace Committees. Women are often accused of instigating domestic violence and are underrepresented in conflict-mitigation structures.
Inter-ethnic relationships have improved, especially between the Jie and the Dodoth. Both groups reported increased social, economic and resource interactions with the other, including inter-marriage, trade and hiring agricultural labour. More contact with other groups tended to strengthen inter-ethnic relations by increasing trust, and improved livelihoods through better resource sharing and security. However, the Dodoth and Jie reported tensions with other groups – the Turkana (Kenya) and the Didinga and Toposa (South Sudan) – who remain armed.

Posted on 20 November 2016 in Pastoralism & Peacebuilding