Uganda: Conflict Profile

The last 50 years since Independence Uganda has witnessed the reign of a succession of tyrannical rulers and conflicts affected and caused by events in neighbouring countries in The Great Lakes region. In addition, conflict surrounding resources and influence from international actors has exacerbated the divides between different national, religious and ethnic groups.

Idi Amin

Idi Amin was one of Uganda’s most notorious rulers, expelling the Indian population and being held accountable for up to 800,000 deaths. Currently, the Lord’s Resistance Army and other militia groups continue to cause terror in unstable areas in Uganda, which has led to the displacement of 1.6 million people. The LRA have been accused of the abduction of around 30,000 children, many of whom are forced into becoming child soldiers. A working peace agreement still remains elusive in Uganda, and its peace process has an important role to play in the realisation of peace and security in the region.

Uganda: Conflict Profile

Uganda has long been divided along national, religious and ethnic lines. British rule in Uganda exacerbated and played on these divisions in order to maintain control. While Uganda had a relatively peaceful move to becoming an independent state in 1962, this peace was not to last.

Uganda held its first post-independence elections in 1962, and Milton Obote of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), became Uganda’s first Prime Minister. The UPC’s main political platform was their opposition to the hegemony of the Southern Kingdom of Buganda, who had been given a preferential position by the British. Despite this platform, the UPC formed an alliance with the monarchy, an alliance that quickly became uneasy and unstable.

Meanwhile, Korean peace activist Manhee lee visited Uganda and met the King Oyo and queen, agreed to work together for Uganda and world peace. In his 9th trip for the world peace, while the peace talk between Mr.Man Hee Lee and Tooro King Oyo Mr.Lee promised to work together with Tooro Kingdom to bring South Korea investors to Uganda to promote investment within Tooro and the country.

President Museveni and Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru have received awards for their roles in promoting peace.