UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
the agreements and continued fighting, eventually defeating Okello and becoming
President. Museveni’s military overthrow of Okello set the scene for a number of regional
conflicts that continue to trouble the population. Prior to 1986, many of Okello´s men
were redeployed when the fighting intensified as the NRA marched on Kampala, leaving
the eastern Districts of Soroti and Bulambuli inadequately protected. The whole of
eastern Uganda was left vulnerable to Karimojong attacks and cattle raids, as there were
not enough soldiers to provide adequate protection to the people and their property. As
a result, the Karimojong were able to intensify their raids.
Despite the NRA’s victory, insecurity in Teso remains a major issue. Instead of protecting
the civilian population and their property against Karimojong raids, the new government
was accused of supporting the Karimojong and of perpetrating mass violence against
the Iteso community. Such abuses included killings, torture, and unlawful arrest and
disappearance. A significant part of the eastern region was perceived to be a Uganda
People’s Congress stronghold, and the Government feared resistance and rebel
collaboration. The Mukura massacre of 1989, in which 69 civilians, accused by the NRA
of rebel collaboration, died after being suffocated in a railway wagon, was described as
one of the most unforgettable acts that contributed to continued condemnation of, and
resistance to the NRA Government. Such atrocities inspired a significant part of the Iteso
community to form, join, or support various rebel groups, including Force Obote Back
Again and the Uganda People’s Army. 382
382 Research conducted in Soroti and Bulambuli Districts
174