UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
CONFLICTS BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS
Conflicts between ethnic groups are present throughout Uganda, but were
most commonly discussed in the country’s eastern region. This section can be
considered a case study of the nature of ethnic conflicts in Uganda, which seem
to be primarily related to land, district leadership and discrimination against
minority groups, with the additional dynamics, in the case of eastern Uganda, of
raids by neighbouring Karimojong.
77. Border Conflict Between Sabiny and Bagisu (1950s - present)
Land conflicts have defined the relationship between the Bagisu and the Sabiny tribes
since the 1950s. In 1961, tensions between the two groups mounted when Benedict
Kiwanuka, President General of the Democratic Party (DP) and the Chief Minister in
the Uganda Legislative Council, gave the Sabiny a district called Kapchorwa as a reward
for overwhelmingly voting for the DP in the pre-Independence elections. Conflict
arose regarding the boundaries of this district, as they were not clearly defined. The
Sabiny people hold that Kapchorwa borders Sironko District and contains the entirety
of Bulambuli District. 362 In 1979, conflict over land between the Sabiny and the Bagisu
left hundreds of Bagisu dead and many others wounded and homeless. Following this
bloodshed, numerous attacks and counter-attacks took place. Countless individuals
remain without land to this day.
The conflict was compounded in 1986 when the Bagisu people were evicted from Mount
Elgon Forest Reserve and in the process became landless as the Government failed
to resettle them. The displaced Bagisu fled to Bulambuli District where the Sabiny of
Kapchorwa also claim land ownership, resulting in further violent encounters between
the two communities. This district border issue and its impacts have been raised in
Parliament. However, the Government seems reluctant to settle the dispute. Insecurity
and fear of attacks continue to plague both groups. The Sabiny are accused of spying
on and attacking the Bagisu community, as well as refusing to negotiate for peace and
reconciliation with Bagisu over violence committed during past conflicts.
Conflicts between Karimojong and neighbouring tribes
over Karimojong raids (1953 – present)
78. Conflict Between Karimojong and Iteso
Karimojong livelihood revolves primarily around livestock rearing, an indispensable part
of their social and cultural lives. 363 The Karimojong live in a semi-arid area in northeast
Uganda where the pasture for their animals suffers from minimal rainfall. These
challenging conditions fuel conflicts between the Karimojong and their neighbours, who
are also cultivators, but with extensive land and more access to water. 364 The Karimojong
362 Research conducted in Bulambuli District.
363 Research conducted in Soroti, Bulambuli, Nakapiripirit and Pader Districts
364 Nannyonjo, J. (2005) Conflicts, poverty and human development in Northern Uganda. United Nations
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