Conflict as a predictor of Security and Rule of Law: a Case of the Rwenzururu sub region in Western Uganda.

Abstract

The study investigates conflict as a predictor of security and rule of law; a case of the Rwenzururu sub region in Western Uganda. It specifically examines the drivers of conflict in the Rwenzururu sub region, assesses the influence of conflict on security; and also examines the influence of Conflict on Rule of Law and security. The study is anchored on a case study design, under the qualitative research approach; relying mainly on secondary data and to some extent, primary data collected from various categories of respondents by way of interviews, focus group discussions and surveys; with a study population of 944,000 people, a target population of 403,181 people and a sample size of 400 determined by the Yamane formula. The study employed interview guide, focus group discussion guide and questionnaire as data collection instruments/tools. The study reveals economic, political, social and cultural factors as the main drivers of the conflict in the Rwenzururu sub region such as; unequal distribution of land, struggle for self-determination and struggle for political power among others. The conflict greatly influences rule of law and security in the area in that; during conflict there is economic insecurity, political instabilities and social insecurity; physical assaults coupled with loss of lives and property; children hardly go to schools and citizens hardly access social services such as health and clean water. The study recommends that, conflict in the Rwenzururu sub region can be effectively resolved by adopting liberal approach as opposed to the realism approach apparently employed by the State and non-state actors. This includes engaging in Alternative Dispute Resolution, political socialisation and dialogue; setting up the mediation, negotiation and reconciliation grounds to help end conflicts using peaceful means. All the actors should understand the drivers of conflict in order to establish the effective ways of resolving it and hence, attain lasting rule of law and security in the area. Historical injustices ought to be well traced, documented and addressed by the actors especially by way of reparations and physical compensation in case of lost lives and property. Mass sensitisation and civic education should be promoted so as to foster attitude change for social cohesion, commitment to promotion of unity for development, and respect for rule of law, cultural and other human rights. Both State and non-state actors should be involved in the reconciliation and conflict resolution processes. All the line government MDAs and officials such RDCs and DISOs should be tasked; and other stakeholders encouraged to submit regular reports regarding conflicts generally. Reconciliation and enquiry committees should be set up to mediate the conflicts and there should be community-policing mechanisms that connect the community, and the State Security Agencies.