For a long time, Uganda suffered internal conflict and regional turmoil that undermined the country’s prospects for development, stability and prosperity. In addition to supporting and advancing peace and stability within Uganda, USAID has actively worked to resolve conflict and prevent conflict escalation. The Agency’s conflict mitigation and reconciliation program has made significant contributions to the return of peace recovery and development to Northern Uganda, which was affected by the 23-year Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, and addresses conflict in the northeast region of Karamoja.

USAID’s current programming focuses on conflict prevention, conflict management capacity building and promotion of reconciliation in northern Uganda. The program facilitates access to justice in resolving land disputes, promoting reconciliation and transforming emerging conflict into opportunities for people to develop collaborative solutions. USAID also supports targeted local government structures, community based organizations and traditional institutions to prevent and manage conflict over land, water and cattle raiding and to promote reconciliation.

Conflict Mitigation and Prevention

While peace has begun to solidify in LRA-affected areas and violent conflicts in other regions have decreased, Uganda still has underlying conditions that could result in conflict such as grievances over land, oil and ethnic divisions. USAID is working to mitigate this possibility by facilitating the resolution of land conflicts, promoting reconciliation, addressing the root causes of emerging conflicts and supporting dialogues and capacity building among local government institutions and civil society. For instance, USAID is working in 15 parishes in Moroto and Napak districts of Karamoja region—the two poorest districts in Uganda—to reduce the risk of conflict by teaching women to be agents of peace. Using women in peace-building provides a new and valuable direction towards achieving peace in the region. So far, more than 450 public discussions reaching over 10,000 people have been held.

USAID also supports the deployment of 538 conflict monitors throughout the country who are using mobile technology to collect data and document incidences of conflict.  The data provided feeds into a monthly conflict assessment, and helps identify conflict trends and potential flare-ups. This report is shared with USAID and other implementing partners in Uganda including the Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other interested stakeholders who may use the assessment to address and mitigate conflict.