UGANDA

WESTERN CONFLICTS
posited that the PRA has strong links with rebel groups like the LRA, UPA, and the Major
Itongwa group in Buganda.
According to the same informant, the PRA could be considered a reaction by Rwanda
to its concerns that Rwandan renegades might be enjoying some sympathy from the
Ugandan Government. This would explain the sharp back-and-forth accusations between
the Ugandan and Rwandan Governments between 2000 and 2009. The theory continues
that the 1998 Kisangani clashes between forces of the Rwandan and Ugandan national
armies were a result of suspicion between the UPDF & the RPF regarding strategies for
uprooting the Interahamwe and the ADF. This mistrust continued while the UPDF was
working with the RPF in pursuit of ADF, and later compelled the UPDF to craft unholy
alliances with other rebel groups in DR Congo. 449 It was in this context that the PRA
became a proxy front for Rwanda to pursue its strategic security. 450 According to the
above-mentioned informant, the PRA never declared war because, as they were being
harboured in neighbouring Rwanda, this could have been interpreted as a direct attack
on Uganda from Rwanda. 451
CONFLICT BETWEEN ‘NATIVES’ AND ‘IMMIGRANTS’
Another driver of conflict in the western Region is the discourse around
‘nativism’. This discourse is characterised by the argument that those who
consider themselves ‘natives’ of the region hold more entitlements to the
region’s resources than those who are considered ‘immigrants’. This is regardless
of whether or not the latter are born in the region and hold Ugandan citizenship.
Identity and belonging translate to conflict in these contexts, especially over land
ownership.
101. Conflict between ‘natives’ (Banyoro) and ‘immigrants’ (Alur and
Bagungu) (1990 – present)
The Alur, who allegedly migrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due
to destabilising conflict, entered Uganda and settled in Hoima District. Since their arrival
in Uganda, many have been accused of using witchcraft against the Banyoro. They have
also been accused of practicing cannibalism. As a result, the Banyoro are demanding
that the Government of Uganda resettle the Alur back to the DRC. 452
Another similar conflict that was identified is between the Bagungu (who migrated to
Bunyoro from the north) and the Banyoro. This dispute is based on unequal access to
leadership and employment opportunities at the district level. The Bagungu, who are
predominantly from Kigorobya sub-county, are currently demanding district status to
solve this problem.
449 Ibid
450 Ibid
451 Ibid
452 Research conducted in Hoima District
203