UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
common in higher courts. 859 Participants recognized the need to deal efficiently
with such disputes to prevent people from turning to extra-legal solutions. 860 Others
recommended that policy on land ownership be clarified and made more restrictive for
foreigners seeking to purchase land. 861
Economy
Participants discussed two major economic policy issues: reducing unemployment
rates, particularly among youth, and making essential goods more affordable. Regarding
the former, participants advocated for encouraging early retirement for those in the
workforce by lowering the retirement age and ensuring prompt payment of benefits. 862
This would in turn increase the employment opportunities available to the country’s
youths. Further, participants suggested that offering more livelihood options to Uganda’s
young people would prevent conflict by addressing idleness among youth, which in
Karamoja has led to increases in cattle-raiding. 863
Regarding calls for a reduction in commodity prices, participants suggested a decrease
in taxes on essential goods including food and fuel, an adjustment of wage rates, and
a reduction in interest rates, 864,865 Other poverty alleviation measures recommended
included reforming the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund to make it more easily
accessible, and instituting affirmative action policies for post-conflict reconstruction in
regions like Rwenzori. 866
Other Areas of Reform
In addition to the sectors listed above, participants raised other areas of concern.
a. In Mubende, participants specifically noted the need for reform of
traditional institutions to ensure that they can adequately carry out traditional
justice processes. 867
b. Regarding the management of natural resources, residents in Hoima
advocated that benefits from these resources be shared with local citizens. 868
c. Some groups called for new laws to be enacted against the use of
derogatory language about certain ethnic groups. 869
d. Related to children, participants believed more responsibility for
childhood development should be given to parents and guardians under the
Children’s Act; others recommended better care for orphans and a review of the
children’s rights framework to prioritize education, health, food and clothing. 870
e. Regarding disaster management, representatives from Bulambuli
emphasized that better and more equitable service delivery is needed during
859 Research conducted in Pader and Kasese Districts
860 Research conducted in Pader District
861 Research conducted in Nakasongola District
862 Research conducted in Pader, Bulambuli, Pader and Bundibugyo Districts
863 Research conducted in Pader and Bulambuli Districts
864 Research conducted in Hoima, Bulambuli and Kasese Districts
865 Research conducted in Arua, Hoima and Kasese Districts
866 Research conducted in Bulambuli, Lira and Kasese Districts
867 Research conducted in Mubende District
868 Research conducted in Hoima District
869 Research conducted in Kasese District
870 Research conducted in Pader, Kasese and Hoima Districts
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