Tracking conflict and security dynamics in Karamoja, Uganda

Communities in the Karamoja region of Uganda continue to feel insecure, despite government assurances that the security situation is improving, according to new research by Saferworld. The research finds that communities remain seriously concerned about what they see as inadequate protection from armed attacks. This continued fear may hamper further disarmament efforts and, together with community concerns that they are not sufficiently engaged in realising the benefits from development projects, is undermining development in the region.

The report, Tracking key conflict and security dynamics in Karamoja - an update focuses on Karamoja in north-eastern Uganda. The region has long experienced serious conflict and insecurity, severe poverty and low levels of development. Communities have been involved in cycles of cattle raiding and counter-raiding, including with border communities in Kenya and South Sudan.

The report finds that the government’s assessment of improved security and successful disarmament in Karamoja does not seem to reflect the continued insecurity felt by communities and the fact that significant numbers of illegal weapons still remain in civilian hands. The report recommends that joint planning, and building trust with communities, is essential for a successful transition from the Uganda People’s Defence Force-led to police-led civilian disarmament. Furthermore, while trust in the police generally remains high, their limited presence in the region means that they often fail to effectively protect communities. Equipping and training the police will be crucial to ensure they can better serve communities throughout Karamoja.

The report also emphasizes that engaging local communities is crucial to ensure that development in the region is conflict-sensitive. A significant number of community members feel that they have not seen the benefits from development projects and think that the elite has hijacked many government projects. International actors should support the Ugandan authorities to involve communities in the planning and implementation of development initiatives so that their security and development priorities are adequately addressed.

Building on an in-depth conflict and security assessment from 2010, the report incorporates follow-up research carried out in the districts of Moroto and Napak in 2011-12. It is primarily a qualitative study, taking in the views and experiences of a range of actors including local people, security and law enforcement agencies, government officials and aid agencies. It emphasizes that local perceptions of safety and security need to guide decisions regarding civilian disarmament, security and development.

The research is part of the EU-funded ‘People’s Peacemaking Perspectives’ project, a joint initiative implemented by Conciliation Resources and Saferworld and financed under the European Commission's Instrument for Stability. The project provides European Union institutions with analysis and recommendations based on the opinions and experiences of local people in a range of countries and regions affected by fragility and violent conflict.

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