UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
Prison
Regarding prison reform, participants called for improved infrastructure of prison
facilities, as well as improved services such as health care, access to nutritious food, and
access to education for prisoners. 831 Some participants emphasized that correction and
the development of vocational skills should be a priority in the prison system, 832 while
others suggested that community service rather than jail sentences would be a better
means of rehabilitating criminals. 833 In terms of prison administration, participants called
for balanced regional representation in the recruitment of prison guards and further
professionalization of prison officials. 834
Police
Participants from many districts offered suggestions for reform of the policing sector.
These included restructuring and professionalizing the police force, recruiting officers
with attention to educational background and regional balance, and offering promotions
based on experience. 835 Some participants cautioned against integrating former members
of Local Defence Units into the police. 836 They also urged police to respect the law and
treat citizens humanely, especially refraining from torture and the use of tear gas during
demonstrations. 837 With regards to corruption, participants called for investigations to
be conducted seriously, with no tolerance for transgressions within the police force;
others recognized that officers should be paid adequate salaries. 838
Military
Participants favoured both a reduction in militarization and continued protection from a
professionalized army. On the one hand, they suggested reducing and professionalizing
the military, regional balance in officer appointments, removing generals and reducing
their influence in Parliament and politics, and halting the purchase of new weapons
like tanks and jets. 839 They also called for the military to respect the Constitution and
to refrain from using force to support the President and from interfering in activities
outside of their mandate, including police work. 840 Others denounced land-grabbing by
the military. 841
At the same time, some participants in Bulambuli called for the military to continue
disarming the Karimojong and to provide adequate protection from cattle raids. 842 More
generally, participants supported equitable compensation for all former members of the
military, and suggested greater community dialogue to promote cooperation between
the military and local communities. 843
831 Research conducted in Kasese and Bundibugyo Districts
832 Research conducted in Kasese and Pader Districts
833 Research conducted in Pader District
834 Research conducted in Kasese and Arua Districts
835 Research conducted in Gulu, Arua, Kasese, Bundibugyo and Nakapiripirit Districts
836 Research conducted in Pader District
837 Research conducted in Bundibugyo, Nakasongola, Tororo and Mukono Districts
838 Research conducted in Arua, Kasese, Bulambuli and Bundibugyo Districts
839 Research conducted in Arua, Lira, Pader and Bundibugyo Districts
840 Research conducted in Bulambuli, Pader and Bundibugyo Districts
841 Research conducted in Hoima District
842 Research conducted in Bulambuli District
843 Research conducted in Arua and Pader Districts
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