Transcript BRIEF 8 of 18: HOIMA DISTRICT BEYOND JUBA PROJECT www.beyondjubaproject.org 2011 -2012 BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District NR&TJ Audit 2011 -2012 Main objectives of the NR&TJ Audit To document.

BRIEF 8 of 18: HOIMA
DISTRICT
BEYOND JUBA PROJECT
www.beyondjubaproject.org
2011 -2012
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Main objectives of the
NR&TJ Audit
To document community perspectives on
post-independence armed conflicts across
Uganda
To
identify and assess the outstanding
reconciliation and transitional justice needs
related to each of these conflicts

BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Methodology
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Three field teams comprising four researchers and one videographer
visit eighteen selected districts equally distributed over the Northern,
Southern, Eastern and Central regions in Uganda.
In each district, concerned Civil Society Organisations are contacted.
The teams conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with four different
groups namely adult women, adult men, youth and representatives of
civil society and local government.
There are fifteen participants in each FGD and the discussions take the
whole day. FGDs are split into two parts, and follow a simple structure:
The morning is spent ‘Looking Back’, at conflicts, their causes, their
impacts, and the stakeholders involved, while the afternoon is for
“Looking Forward” at the possible justice mechanisms that could be used
to address the legacies of conflicts identified – as well as sending
messages to key persons and institutions.
In the course of each FGD, key informants are identified for further
consultation. Findings are recorded on flip charts, through near-verbatim
note taking, and on audio- and video recorders.
Preliminary Findings are presented initially in these Briefs. The final
output will be a Compendium of Conflicts in Uganda, supported by video
documentation.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Focus Group Discussion Guide
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
PART 1: LOOKING BACK
Conflict Timeline
(national/regional/district/village)
A. Is there peace in Uganda?
B. What were the
Causes behind the
conflicts you have
identified?
C. What were the
D. Who were the
Impacts?
Stakeholders?
Victims
- Perpetrators
- Beneficiaries
- Bystanders
- Spoilers
- Peacebuilders
-
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Focus Group Discussion Guide
PART 2: LOOKING FORWARD
WELCOME BACK
- Reminder of purpose of
A. How does it feel to be talking about the history of
this country?
second half: from looking back
to looking forward
RECONCILIATION
B. 1. What does JUSTICE
mean to you?
2. Has JUSTICE been done
to the stakeholders? How
do you think justice can be
done? What would you like
to see in the following
processes?
TRUTH-TELLING
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
REPARATIONS
TRADITIONAL JUSTICE
AMNESTY
PROSECUTIONS
MEMORIALIZATION
CHANGES IN LAW / INSTITUTIONS
C. What messages do you have
for key persons and/or
institutions?
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
District Information
At Independence the area now
known as Hoima was under the
jurisdiction
of
the
Bunyoro
Kingdom. After the abolition of
Kingdoms by the late Sir Apollo
Milton Obote in 1967, Bunyoro
became a district. In 1974,
Bunyoro was divided into north and
south Bunyoro with the latter
becoming Hoima District in 1980.
Hoima District borders the districts
of Kiboga to the east and Masindi
to the north east. Hoima also
borders the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) to the west. Hoima
has a population of approximately
523,400. The main language
spoken is Runyoro but other
common languages spoken in the
district include Luganda and
Kiswahili. The ethnic majority is the
Banyoro, followed by the Alur,
Bakiga and Bagungu.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
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BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
This field brief is based on data collected from Hoima District
between 17 and 22 January 2012. Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) were held with adult women, men and youths in Kapapi
Parish, Kigorobya Sub-County and with civil society and local
government officials in Hoima Town.
The preliminary findings below reflect opinions expressed in all
the FGDs and key informant interviews. The field brief reflects
conflict perspectives and opinions as narrated by the FGD
participants, which are not necessarily those of the Refugee Law
Project (RLP) or its funders.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Past
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
The majority of participants was of the view that there is no peace in Uganda. They said that there was
some peace immediately after Independence and when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) had
just captured power. However, they noted that this peace was temporary as it would disappear when
several groups turned against the ruling regime to capture political power by force.
The population in Hoima District has witnessed many armed and non-armed conflicts. The district is
located near the border with Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) and Lake Albert and is also close to the
Luwero Triangle so this has put the people of Hoima in a vulnerable position. The district witnessed the
National Resistance Army (NRA) rebellion, the influx of Ugandan National Liberation Army (UNLA)
fighters to combat the NRA, the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) insurgency and boundary and resource
conflicts with DRC (over fish and minerals located around the border regions). People in Hoima District
have also been abducted by unknown Congolese people. Due to conflicts in other parts of the country
and in the DRC, there has been an influx of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the
DRC, West Nile and northern Uganda. Also, Lake Albert attracts large numbers of people from other
communities who come to engage in fishing activities. The participants noted that the above factors
increased the population of Hoima District and resulted in the overloading of social services thus
reducing access by locals.
The discovery of oil in the district has led to the displacement of locals from their land without
adequate compensation. The participants accused the oil companies and Government representatives
of manipulating the system.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
The district also experiences conflicts between the cultivators and the cattle keepers
especially the Balaalo.
Owing to the above conflicts, the population in Hoima has suffered on-going brutality and
human rights violations. There have been no Government programmes implemented to
address the consequences of these conflicts. Additionally, there are very few Non
Govermental organisations (NGOs) in Hoima District that are able to support people to deal
with some of these problems.
At a national level, but affecting the people of Hoima, the creation of a multi-party system in
2005 caused political fights between the different political groups and supporters. This
caused divisionism, anarchy and potential threats to national stability. The political conflicts
have resulted in gaps in social service delivery, inflation, the emergence of pressure groups,
strikes and demonstrations as well as security threats.
A woman in Kapapi Parish said “I am not sure of the future of peace in Uganda given the
sequence of events in the country that seems not very different from that of the past. Wars
made me suffer gravely in the past. I do not wish war again in Uganda. In any case it should
find me when I am dead. Our leaders are the major cause of these conflicts and suffering, I
feel Ugandans should built consensus to denounce all leaders so that each person or family
or community governs its own affair”.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Conflicts Timeline: National Level
1966 1967
1971 1972
1979 1980
1985 1986
2009 2010
2012
The Kabaka Crisis (1966):
In
1966, there
a power struggle between Kabaka Mutesa II and the then Prime Minister Sir
Tribalism
(1966was
to date):
Apollo
Milton Obote.
Theofstruggle
over
sharing
started almost
after
The
participants
cited
lack
national
unity power
as
a result
of tribalism,
hatred, immediately
favouritism and
Abrogation
of
the
1962
Constitution
by
Obote
(1967):
Independence
andruling
reached
a peak
in 1964. In the
same year,
there
wascausing
a referendum
that saw the
dominance
of the
tribe
(the
Banyankole)
in national
affairs
hence
conflicts.
In
1967,
Obote
amended
the
1962
Constitution
into
what
participants
called
a
‘Pigeon
Hole
Amin’s
coup d’état
(1971): of the Kabaka of Buganda, returned to the Bunyoro.
‘Lost
Counties’,
thenagainst
under Obote
the jurisdiction
The
Constitution.’
It
centralised
all
the
powers
around
him
and
his
party
(UPC)
at
the
expense
of
the
In
1971,asAmin
staged
coup
against Obote
who the
was results,
out of but
therefused
countrytofor
in
Kabaka,
Head
of State,
was supposed
to endorse
do aso.meeting
As a result,
Attempted
overthrow
ofa Amin
(1972):
rest
of
Uganda.
This
was
said
to
have
been
the
source
of
many
of
the
subsequent
conflicts
in
Singapore.
This
coup
came
afterbya aconflict
between
Obote
and
Amin
over
unfair
within
Obote
hiswas
executive
powers
togroup
approve
the results
and
counties
werepromotion
given
to Bunyoro.
In
1972,used
there
an
attempt
of people
in was
exile
in the
Tanzania
(FRONASA)
to overthrow
Amin’s
overthrow
by
a
coalition
of
liberators
(1979):
Uganda,
from
1967
to
1995
when
a
new
Constitution
put
in
place.
Obote
exploited
the
loop
the
army
based
tribal
lines
and
the
threat
byObote
Obote
towas
execute
Amin asout
Obote
had begun
This
angered
thealong
Kabaka
so much
that
he wanted
and
his
Government
of Buganda.
The
Amin.
An
armed
confrontation
took
place
in
Mutukula
but
unsuccessful
as
the
group
was
The
dictatorial
regime
of
Amin
that
had
been
characterised
by
mass
human
rights
violations
such
holes
he
had
created
in
the
new
Constitution,
as
did
all
the
other
leaders
who
came
after
him.
mistrusting
Amin. soldiers.
The
1980
that
provoked
Museveni
topalace
rebel
in
1981left
(1980):
conflict
culminated
inelection
the 1966
bombing
ofback
the
Kabaka’s
which
it completely devastated,
crushed
bycontested
Amin’s
They
retreated
to
Tanzania
to
reorganise.
as
arbitrary
arrest,
detention
without
trial,
torture
and
indiscriminate
killing
ofin Democratic
elites,
wasThis
This
helps
explain
why
Uganda
has
been
subject
to
such
a
vicious
cycle
of
conflict.
In
1980,
there
was
a
general
election
in
which
Uganda
People’s
Congress
(UPC),
forcing
the
Kabaka
to
flee
into
exile.
Obote
eventually
abolished
all
Kingdoms
Uganda.
Military
overthrow
of Obote
II’s
administration
by Tito Okello
(1985):
overthrown
by Uganda
aoffcoalition
ofwithin
UNLA
fighters
comprised
of different
rebel
groups
such
as Kikosi
Party
(DP),
and
Patriotic
Movement
(UPM)
participated.
These
parties
were
represented
conflict
sparked
tribalism
the
country.
In
1985,
Obote
was
overthrown
through
a
coup
that
was
plotted
and
staged
by
his
Army
Malum
ledPaul
byoverthrow
David
Oyite
Ojok,
FRONASA
led
by Y.K.respectively.
Museveni, and
the
Tanzanian
People’s
NRA
military
of
Tito
Okello
(1986):
by
Obote,
Kawanga
Ssemwogerere
and
Museveni
The
election
is
said
to
have
Commander
Tito
Okello
Lutwa
under
the
command
of government,
Bazilio
Okelloushering
Olara. Participants
noted
Defence
Force
(TPDF)
popularly
known
as
the
“Wakombozi”
(Liberation).
In
1986,
the
NRA
fighters
toppled
Tito
Okello’s
military
in
Museveni
and
been
marred
by malpractice
that included
vote
rigging from
and aSudan
false declaration
of thewho
results.
It
Kabaka
riots this
(2009):
that
around
time,
Tito
Okello
brought
in
fighters
called
Anyanyas
were
his
Government
that
continue
to
rule
to
date.
This
led
to
instability
in
many
parts
of
Uganda,
was
onblasts
this
basis
that
Yoweri
Kaguta
Museveni
his populararose
resistance
Violent
encounters
between
protestors
and launched
the police/military
whenArmy
the called
KabakaNRA
of
fighting
alongside
UNLA
against
theattacks
NRM
fighters.
Bomb
in Kampala/terrorist
(2010):
especially
northern
Uganda.
and
fought
from
1981-1986
to overthrow
perceived
undemocratic
government
of Obote.
Buganda
was
stopped
from
visiting
Kayunga the
District
oninhisthe
routine
check-up
of hisasubjects.
A
bomb,
planted
by
Al-Shabab
militants,
exploded
Ethiopian
Village,
restaurant
in
Economic
crisis
(2010
toemerged,
date): including Uganda Freedom Movement led by Kayira, FEDEMO
Other
rebel
groups
also
Kampala.
Theeconomy
bomb killed
many Ugandans.
This
causedinflation
fear andand
outcry
against the
Government
An
unstable
characterised
by skyled
rocketing
fluctuation
in the
prices of
by
Nkwanga,
and
the
West
Nile
Bank
Front
by
Moses
Ali.
Mabira
saga
(2010):
over
the
deployment
of
UPDF
soldiers
as
peace
keepers
in
Somalia.
commodities
has wanted
deepened
povertypart
levels
in Mabira
the country,
to thefor
‘Walk
to Work’
The Government
to allocate
of the
forest leading
to an investor
growing
sugar
campaign
organized
by
Dr
Kizza
Besigye
and
agitation
for
reforms
by
‘Activists
for
Change’.
cane. This sparked massive demonstrations that led to violent clashes between the civilian
protestors and the police.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Conflicts Timeline: Regional Level
1987
1998
1999
2001
2012
Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement (HSM) rebellion (1987):
The
Spirit
Movement
started
in Kitgum and ended in eastern Uganda (Jinja) where
LRA Holy
led by
Joseph
Kony (1987
to date):
they
were
overpowered
and dispersed
Government
soldiers.
The
LRAbyconflict
been
on-goingbyfor
the past twenty-five
years and has led to mass
ADF led
Mustafahas
Mukulu
(1998-9):
displacements,
loss started
of lives and
property,
emergence
of diseases
such
asareas
cholera
an increase
The
ADF
rebellion
in and
the
Rwenzori
region
and
affected
thedate):
of and
Kasese,
Land
conflict
between
Bakiga
Banyoro
in
Kibale
District
(2001
to
in
the spread Hoima,
of HIV/AIDS.
Bundibugyo,
Fort
Kibale
and and
Kyenjonjo.
this
group
affected
The Bakiga migrated
fromPortal,
western
Uganda
settled Inin Hoima,
Kibale in
1966.
Since
2001, these
mostly
Buseruka
Sub-County.
immigrants have featured prominently in conflicts over ownership of land and district
leadership.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
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Conflicts Timeline: District Level
2006
2011
2012
Leadership (2006 to date):
The
LandBagungu
(2011): and the Banyoro are in conflict over district level leadership and employment
opportunities.
who areinpredominantly
from Kigorobya,
are agitating
In
2011,
thereThe
wasBagungu,
a land conflict
Kyangwali involving
migrants who
occupiedfor
thedistrict
local
Oil
(2011)):
status
to
solve
this
problem.
inhabitants’
The has
Government
claims between
that the land
in question isand
to be
a barracks
This natural land.
resource
caused conflict
the Government
theused
localforpeople
over
but
the
indigenous
people
claim
it
is
theirs.
It
is
still
a
point
of
discussion
and
has
not
been
their alleged exclusion from projects being run by the Government and oil companies. The
resolved.
Land
bythem
top government
officials
in the
Hoima
District
and evictions
was also
Government
hasgrabbing
not given
any information
about
benefits
or detriments
surrounding
disclosed
as a serious
in theAdistrict.
the discovery
of oil onconflict
their land.
participant said “we only see big vehicles passing; spoiling
our roads and now we hear that they are going to construct an oil refinery.” Further,
Government officials have exploited the ignorance of the local people and bought their land
cheaply, displacing many people without adequate compensation. The participants expressed a
lot of fear rather than happiness with regard to the discovery of oil in their region. They drew
comparisons with countries that are producing oil but experiencing conflict over the resource
like Nigeria, Libya and Iraq.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
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Audit
2011 -2012
Conflicts Timeline: Village Level
1982
1986
1990
2012
Poverty (1982 to date):
Poverty
during
time when
the NRA based
Conflict started
between
cattlethe
keepers
and cultivators
(1986):their fighting in the Luwero Triangle area.
Many
people
took and
refuge
in IDP camps
in Nakaseke
and in
Nakitoma
Sub-County
Nakasongola
The
local
Banyoro
Bagungu
are(1986
cultivators
but face
a lot
of trouble
from theincattle
keepers
Domestic
violence
and
defilement
to
date):
District.
who
are mainly
popularly
known
as Balaalo,
animals
stray andviolence
destroy and
the
An
increase
in Banyarwanda,
poverty
in the
region
has
resulted
in an whose
increase
in domestic
Conflict
between
the
natives
and
immigrants
(1990):
cultivators’
crops.
Theviolence
Balaalo increased
make littlefrom
or no
effort
to control
theirNRA
cattle.
This hasthe
created
defilement.
Domestic
1986
to
date
after
the
devastated
land
The Alur.
who
migrated
from the
DRC that
due need
to conflicts
in their home
regions,
entered
Uganda
hatred
and
sparked
off
serious
conflicts
to
be
addressed
to
ensure
peace
and
harmony
and
impoverished
the District.
people. Since then, many have been accused of using witchcraft against
and
settled
Hoima
between
theintwo
communities.
the Banyoro. They have also been accused of practicing cannibalism. As a result, the Banyoro
want the Alur to go back to the DRC.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
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Causes & Impacts
Failure to fulfil promises by
leaders
Poverty
Poor governance
1980 multi-party elections
2005 Referendum
Porous borders
Influx of
immigrants
Kabaka crisis
Fighters loot property
Land grabbing
Girls and women
were raped
Increase in armed
robbery
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
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Failure to fulfil promises by leaders: This has resulted in tensions which
often breed conflicts in the community between the leaders and the community
members. The participants also blame President Museveni for his failure to fulfil
his promises of compensation for the bush war victims.
Colonial and missionary invasion of Uganda: The colonialists and
missionaries divided Ugandans along religious and tribal lines. This caused a lot
of tension that has escalated into conflicts along those lines.
1980 multiparty elections: The 1980 multiparty elections that were alleged to
have been rigged by Obote provoked President Museveni to rebel and fight the
Government he believed to have taken power through vote rigging.
2005 Referendum: The emergence of multiparty politics has also brought
divisionism based on political affiliation and struggles for leadership in the
country.
Poor governance: Since Independence, each Government has been
characterised by unfair distribution of resources, nepotism and tribalism that has
led to hatred and conflicts over resource allocation and unfair treatment.
Influx of immigrants: The influx of migrants such as the Alur and the Balaalo
into Banyoro land has greatly influenced conflicts in the community.
Overstaying in power by leaders: This has brought dissatisfaction and
caused the emergence of pressure groups agitating for reforms and regime
change.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
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Arbitrary arrest by army and police: The community feels that they have been unjustly
treated by the forces, causing resentment and violence among the community and distrust
of the armed forces
Land grabbing: Individual leaders, UPDF officers and the Government have been
involved in land grabbing in Hoima District
Sky rocketing prices: This led to ‘Walk to Work’ protests that culminated in confusion
and anarchy in Kampala city and some other major Ugandan towns such as Gulu, Jinja,
Masaka and Mbale
Poverty: Intense poverty has led to an increase in social problems such as theft, armed
robbery, child sacrifice to get wealth, witchcraft, drug abuse and conflict with the
Government over inadequate delivery of social services
Tribalism
Corruption
Greed for power: This has resulted in deadly power struggles by leaders
Porous borders: The porous borders with DRC led to an infiltration of Congolese who
abduct people around the oil rich region of Buliisa District
Opposition political parties: The activities of opposition parties caused people to be
attacked with tear gas
Internal wrangles: Distrust and wrangles amongst leaders in Government, such as that
between Kabaka and Amin, has led to several conflicts throughout Uganda’s history
Foreign influence
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Kabaka crisis: Strained relationship between the northerners and the Baganda. This
manifested after Obote’s death when the Baganda warned that Obote’s casket should not
pass through Buganda on its way for burial
Abolition of Kingdoms: Traditional institutions/Kingdoms were abolished by Obote in
1967, creating a vacuum as the people who were loyal to and believed in their Kingdom’s
values and norms were left cursing and praying for the overthrow of Obote.
The economy: As a result of the conflicts the economy has been hit hard because
investors who could have boosted the economy were scared off, affecting economic
growth and development
Grave human rights abuses and violations: Grave human rights abuses and
violations took place, such as massacres in northern Uganda during the LRA war and the
violations committed in central Uganda by the Anyanyas and the NRA
Displacement of the local people: Many local people were displaced during the fights
between the NRA and UNLA
Forceful abduction and conscription of children: Many children were forcibly
abducted or conscripted as child soldiers into the rebel forces
Destruction of infrastructure: A lot of infrastructure was destroyed, including schools,
roads and hospitals
Increase in armed robbery: There has been an increase in incidents of armed robbery
that continues to destabilise peace in different parts of Uganda.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
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Increase in the rate and prevalence of HIV/AIDS: Immoral behaviour in
the IDP camps and a failure by parents to manage their children has led to
an increase in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS
Looting of property: During the various wars, thugs, Government
soldiers and rebel fighters loot property
Immigration: The wars have led to immigration, causing population
increases and pressure on social services. This has led to conflicts
between the locals and immigrants.
Decrease in production: Production became low and this is one of the
reasons why poverty is on the increase. People’s efforts were not rewarded
in terms of obtaining a market for their products. Others could not get
employment in the production firms. This contributed to deteriorating
standard of living.
Girls and women were raped
Disruption of education system
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Spoilers
Peace Builders
Conflicts
Beneficiaries
By-standers
Victims
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
STAKEHOLDERS
(CLICK once!)
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Children who lost parents to wars and became orphans. Some
were also forcefully conscripted as child soldiers, losing their
education.
Men who were in most cases involved in frontline fighting. Many
were shot dead during the bush war leaving widows
Business communities who had their property looted by
people
People with disabilities who had physical problems and could
not run away from the rebels were attacked in different ways
including torture, rape and killing
Elderly people who could not escape during attacks were
either killed or burnt in their houses
Government officials who lost their property to looters and
who were killed during Amin’s regime since they were the targets
of assassins
Opposition groups who suffered at the hands of police who
tear gassed them during demonstrations and the ‘Walk to Work’
campaign. Some, including Besigye, were arrested.
Tribes that started the war. For example, the Acholi suffered
from the effects of the LRA and Lakwena
Widows and orphans who lost their husbands and fathers to
wars
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
(CLICK once!)
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Soldiers and rebels raped women and killed civilians during
wars
Head of State (President Museveni) instigated the NRA fights
that led to the loss of lives and property of civilians
Politicians who were power hungry did all sorts of dirty deals to
acquire and maintain power
Rebels committed atrocities like brutal killings, abductions, rape
and looting of property
Men who beat their women perpetrated domestic violence
Rich men who grabbed peoples land and wives because they
have money
People who practice witchcraft have been bewitching and
charming people
Cattle keepers who graze their animals in ‘our’ gardens
especially Banyarwanda and Banyankole
Former Heads of State such as Amin, Obote and Tito who fail to
pacify their citizens forces them to pick up arms against them. They
are also responsible for many deaths/killings in Uganda
Army officers grabbing land in Kibale
Rebel leaders such as Kony, Lakwena, Mustafa Mukulu, Major
Itongwa had selfish interests, causing them to pick up arms
The Western world selling ammunition to both rebels and
Government soldiers, promoting wars in the country
Corrupt civil servants and greedy political leaders such as
Amama Mbabazi, Hillary Onek, Mike Mukula have been implicated
in corruption scandals
Immigrants specifically the Alur from The DRC bewitch the
Banyoro and occupy land illegally.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
(CLICK once!)
Journalists have the obligation to report but sometimes they do not report
or they report inaccurate stories about conflicts in fear of hurting the
Government or being summoned to account for the story
Leaders sometimes do not act and do not report conflicts to higher
authorities so the affected people keep on suffering
Religious leaders role in negotiating for peace is key but sometimes they
wait for a long time for the war to escalate before they do anything
Opinion leaders who only give opinions but do not act to resolve conflicts
The neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Sudan, the DRC and Kenya
did not help Uganda to fight rebels and some were even hosting those rebels
in their countries
United Nations (UN) organisations sometimes support both the rebels and
Government forces as they provide humanitarian support to both fighters
and victims. They also have a role in stopping people who are fighting by
sending peace keepers which they have not done in Uganda during conflicts
Local leaders who know the truth for example pertaining to land conflicts
but in most cases do not come out to clarify or settle land issues
Police have played a passive role in most of these conflicts such as
domestic violence and land conflicts claiming that they either do not have
capacity or do not have facilitation fees like transport and lunch allowances
Organisation of African Unity (OAU) did not help to stop wars in Uganda
Government negligence in preventing the rebels from abducting and killing
innocent civilians yet they have the capacity to prevent this.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Spoilers
(CLICK once!)
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Opposition groups have always criticised any effort by the
Government to end the conflicts and some have mobilised people to
protest against the government for example during the strikes,
demonstrations and ‘walk to work’ protests
Western Countries have different interests. They have been playing
double standards by having a role in peace building as well as
supporting rebels with guns and providing other logistical support for their
own selfish gains
Collaborators who sent wrong information, financial and material
assistance to the rebels, ill advising them not to stop fighting
Journalists sometimes exaggerate when reporting certain vital
information that can either encourage the combatants to kill civilians or
spoil peace processes
Business Community (suppliers of food and medicine) will always
want conflicts to continue so that they can carry on with their business
Rebel leaders such as Mustafa Mukula, Alice Lakwena, Itongwa were
persistently fighting the Government much as people were asking them
to negotiate peace with the Government.
Super powers such as Russia were selling their weapons to the
combatants in Uganda
Individuals like Hon. Muganwa Kajura spoilt peace by grabbing land
that belongs to the locals in Hoima District for his personal benefit
Courts sometimes delay in administering justice or rule unjustly in
favour of the rich
Some religious leaders support rebels
Academics always complicate peace processes
Idle youths and thieves easily support violence and loot property.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Beneficiaries
(CLICK once!)
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Soldiers who earned huge salaries and allowances
during their operations in war zones
Thieves who looted property and later sold it and got
money
The business of the suppliers of military equipment,
medicine and food boomed since the demand for these
items was very high. Many of them received a lot of
profits.
The Government received a lot of foreign donations and
aid to end the wars and support war victims
Journalists who wrote and sold articles on wars
Professionals who got jobs from NGOs and companies
that emerged to support the affected communities. Even
in Bunyoro, where Tullow Oil is operating, a number of
people, both professionals and non-professionals, were
employed to work with the company despite the existing
conflicts with the community.
Funding agencies whose interests were promoted since
they were able to fund projects of their interest
Army commanders who got a lot of allowances and
heavy salaries
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
(CLICK once!)
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Religious Leaders who were instrumental in praying for peace and
preaching the gospel of love, unity, mercy and forgiveness. Some
negotiated peace with rebels.
NGOs such Caritas, World Vision, Red Cross, World Food Program
(WFP) provided humanitarian support to war victims
Police who enforce and maintain law and order in Uganda
Soldiers who fought fierce battles with rebels for peace and many of
them were deployed in many insecure places to provide peace and
security
Opposition politicians have struggled to keep Government in check
and accountable to its citizens. They have also been pressuring the
Government to address conflicts in the country.
Local communities who advocated for peace and assisted
stakeholders in reporting wrong elements in the community to security
or to responsible Government agents/officials
The elderly and opinion leaders who were giving strong opinions
and advice on how to address conflicts
Cultural leaders who have been participating in the mediation of
conflicts and sensitising the population on principles of good cultural
morals for peace. They have also been condemning wars in the
country.
Human rights activists who advocated for the end to conflicts that
caused the violation of people’s rights
The media have also been delivering or broadcasting peace
messages to the community
The Inspector General of Government (IGG) is trying to fight
corruption by inquiring into truths about corrupt government officials
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Future
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Justice was viewed by participants as according equal opportunities to all citizens in
Uganda, irrespective of ethnicity and political affiliation. It was also considered to be the
fair judgement and provision of services that promote and improve the peaceful wellbeing
of citizens.
Much as the majority of the participants was looking for equal opportunities for all, they
also valued justice as righting the wrongs committed in the past, for example
compensating the NRA war victims and assuring them of peace while condemning
conflicts.
Another spectrum of justice was dealing with conflicts between the cultivators and the
cattle keepers, dealing with the oil issue diligently and addressing conflicts associated with
immigrants in the area, and addressing the rich and the poor justly without favour. Thus,
the majority of the participants found that justice has not been done to the different
stakeholders of conflicts in Uganda.
Despite the factors listed above, justice has been done to some of the stakeholders
in the conflicts including:
An NRA major who killed the former LCV chairperson of Hoima District was prosecuted
though he was not proven guilty
The rich are being cautioned about unlawful evictions
The emergence of institutions like Commission of Inquiry is a sign of justice
Some individuals affected by the NRA war were compensated, though the participants’
claim it was done selectively and without clear criteria
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Traditional
Justice
Since the abolition of Kingdoms by Obote in
1967, the Banyoro traditional justice systems
have not been resurrected fully, yet the
population values it more than formal justice
institutions
A CSO representative said that “the
Government should restore the authority of
traditional leaders to administer justice in the
community other than coming up with bills that
restricts their jurisprudence”
In the past, the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and
clan leaders were very active in administering
justice and fostering reconciliation. The prevailing
loopholes in the formal justice processes (e.g.
discrimination, bias, corruption and understaffing)
are driving the people away from the mainstream
justice processes to traditional justice processes
that have not yet been fully strengthened after
the prolonged attack by colonialists and
politicians.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Memorialization
Participants emphasised that past conflicts and
consequences need to be remembered for education
and learning purposes to prevent reoccurrence
On a sad note, the participants revealed that some
accounts are being remembered in ways that do not
provide a platform for reconciliation or a harmonious
coexistence. For example, during the political
campaigns, human skulls of people who were
killed/died during the Luwero Triangle war were put
on trees and road sides to highlight the wrongs
committed by past leaders in order to lure people to
vote for NRM. This act of negative remembrance
hampers the healing and reconciliation process,
promoting hatred and tribalism
The participants were agitating for remembrance
through the building of memorial schools, roads
named after fallen community members, organisation
of memorial prayers and lectures, and hospitals as
well as the construction of memorial sites that help to
promote healing, reconstruction and peace.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
Past conflicts in Bunyoro land left the
population with painful thoughts and
emotions, haunting memories, grief, loss
and other negative post conflict reactions
and perceptions
that can impede
harmonious co-existence or peace
building
In the past, the communities had
communal support structures ranging
from family, clans, elders and the general
community but such structures have
been weakened and some destroyed by
conflicts hence there is need to
strengthen them
Psychological
rehabilitation
and
counselling centres are needed to rebuild
the minds and wellbeing of the
individuals and populations affected by
past and current conflicts
War veterans and former rebels who
have been granted amnesty should be
counselled so that they learn to live
normal lives with the community and be
supported with income generating
activities.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Accountability
Psycho-social
Support
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Accountability is needed, however,
participants stated that it is incredibly
difficult to hold Museveni and other
senior politicians to account. The
perpetrators’ wealth should be used to
compensate the victims and this should
be reinforced by an acceptable apology.
Those responsible for the conflicts
should be held accountable for their
actions/wrongs committed, yet people
fear coming out because of current
problems with the judiciary and justice
processes in Uganda that are said to be
biased
In
the
community,
truth-telling,
banishment,
mediation
and
compensation
were
valued
as
acceptable means of accountability, but
because
of
the
challenges
in
implementing these processes, many
people tend to evade accountability, and
those who are caught are in most cases
punished communally through mob
justice
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Participants revealed the need for
reconciliation but also acknowledged that
the current space and prevailing situation
is not conducive for reconciliation to
occur successfully because of a lack of
Government efforts to initiate or support
the process and also because of the
weakened
traditional
institutions
(Omukama of Bunyoro)
All this hampers reconciliation unlike in
the past where traditional structures were
powerful in reconciling aggrieved parties
through dialogue, rituals, ceremonies
and compensation
There is a need for an institutionalised
reconciliation team and truth-telling
process with the involvement of religious
leaders,
the
elderly,
traditional
institutions, CSOs and the Government
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
Reconciliation
Institutional
Reforms
The majority of participants pointed out
that the judiciary is an institution that needs
great reforms to ensure formal justice
prevails in Uganda
They cited that the lack of independence
within
the
judiciary
impedes
its
performance, efficacy and integrity
Lack of positive changes in the different
institutions in Uganda was revealed as a
major impediment to the country’s
development and peace. The participants
recommended
regular transfers of
employees from different institutions
especially the heads of departments,
adequate recruitment, especially of judges
and magistrates, to ensure justice is not
delayed, decentralisation of courts to subcounty level, support of cultural institutions
by the government, nationwide civic
education across institutions, recognising
alternative justice and punishment and
above all, proper coordination between the
different institutions should be initiated
since they complement one another.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
Given the history of conflicts in Uganda that
devastated
the
affected
communities,
the
participants expressed a huge need for a
reparations programme to cool the hearts of the
victimised population
Participants expressed concern over the lack of
compensation for damages and property lost during
the NRA bush war against UNLA and the
establishment of rehabilitation programs to address
the
socio-economic
and
psychological
consequences of the wars
There has been a lack of appropriate
interventions, coupled with selective compensation.
In addition, the Government and President
Museveni have made numerous unfulfilled promises
to affected persons and communities
The Banyoro want the incumbent Government to
build schools and offer scholarships to the children
whose parents lost educational opportunities during
the war
The Banyoro also want a memorial hospital to be
built in Hoima District and they want
to be
compensated for the cattle and other property lost
during the war. An old man in Kigorobya said that
“During the NRA bush war, we lost jobs, education,
freedom and justice. We need all to be brought
back”.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
Reparations
Truth-Telling
Truth-telling is a virtue which is lacking in
Uganda yet it is instrumental in addressing
national problems such as corruption, conflicts
emanating from the discovery of oil in Bunyoro
land, human rights
violations and failure to
understand the causes of conflicts
It is an avenue to share experiences that can
deter others from doing wrongs or rebelling
because of the nasty bush experiences shared. It
can also pave way for justice and reconciliation to
prevail since the truths shall be known
Whereas truth-telling was credited as a
mechanism relevant for understanding and
addressing current and past conflicts in Uganda,
the majority of the participants noted that there
was a severe lack of State protection for truthtellers which explains why people are fearful about
telling the truth. This constrasts with what used to
happen in the past where community structures
such as clan leaders and elderly people would
offer total protection to truth-tellers
Unless motivation and protection mechanisms
are granted to truth tellers by the Government and
truths are used for the right purposes, the majority
revealed that it might prove more of a liability than
an asset in addressing conflicts in Uganda
In the past, testimonies by truth-tellers would
lead
to
reconciliation,
compensation
and
eventually a harmonious co-existence unlike today
where it would lead to loss of jobs, unjust
imprisonment to fulfil selfish interests, and
revenge.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
The majority of participants revealed that inclusive
amnesty is important for peace building in Uganda as
it offers a way to negotiate with the fighters (for
example the Government and rebels)
Selective amnesty granted to few individuals may
promote more conflicts since rebels may hesitate to
denounce rebellion given the fact that many of them
could have been forced to join rebellion when they
were minors as in the case of LRA in northern Uganda
Some participants argued that amnesty could
encourage more rebellion and the perception that they
will be pardoned irrespective of the gravity of the
atrocities they committed
The majority wanted an inclusive amnesty whose
implementation emanates from a nationwide
consultation of community elders, religious leaders
and the public so that the people gain trust and
confidence in the process and allow the beneficiaries
to harmoniously reintegrate with the victimised
community
Participants emphasised that amnesty should be
followed up by reconciliation between the beneficiaries
and the victim or victimized community to ensure
acceptance and proper reintegration as well as
honouring the amnesty granted by the Government.
The beneficiary would also undergo psychosocial
rehabilitation that seems to be lacking in Uganda.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
Amnesty
Prosecution
The majority of participants were of the view
that prosecution in Uganda is not effective
due to a lack of independence of the judiciary,
corruption, and the concealing of truths
When asked whether or not the current
prosecution processes in Uganda provide
justice, the majority said that they provide
justice to the few rich and those in power who
can easily buy or manipulate the processes in
their own favour
Prosecution processes should be just and
transparent
In the past, the Banyoro used traditional
ways of dealing with all kinds of offences
including but
not limited to public
punishment/beating,
banishment/
excommunication as well as levying huge
fines enforced by the clan leaders and the
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom
Adult men said that the dominant tribe in
Uganda (the Banyankole) is not prosecutable.
They cited an example of a group of
Banyankole-Balaalo herdsmen who were
summoned by a sub-county Chief over letting
their cattle graze in cultivators farms; they
rhetorically asked him “Who are you? You are
in charge of the sub-county but we are in charge
of Uganda”.
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Participants directed messages to different stakeholders:
To President Museveni:
We love you so much but
please restore term limits
You have forgotten us, you
promised us a district but
where is the district?
You are responsible for the
impact of wars in Uganda
Social
service
delivery
should reach the grassroots
Join hands with the Public
Accounts Committee to fight
corruption
Poor people are dying
because of the high prices of
commodities
Step down now
Stop giving empty promises
to the citizens
To corrupt Ministers (Engineer Hilary
Onek, Amama Mbabazi and Sam Kutesa)
Resign and be investigated
To Kony:
Come out of the bush
because you have caused
a lot of suffering
To Government:
Orphans are not being catered for; you should
cater for orphans since their numbers are growing
Reduce interest rates on the loans so that the
poor people can access loans and do business to
improve their livelihoods
Citizens:
Join hands and fight for
peace, have the spirit of
patriotism
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
To the Leadership of Bunyoro Kitara
Kingdom and Ministry of Defence:
We are not happy about how UPDF officers
are grabbing our land
To MPs:
Come back and check on
the people who elected you
and seek their views
To Leaders:
Put promises in practice, don’t
only talk
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
(CLICK once!).
Judges should be selected from different political parties
Sensitise the community on court procedures and corrupt officials should
be fired
Memorial and other commemoration events should be conducted in
places where the events happened and not in cities and towns that have
been politically identified
Information on natural resources such as oil discovered in Bunyoro should
be shared with the citizens especially the locals who are affected
Truth-telling is a virtue lacking in Uganda and should be promoted in
Uganda by integrating it into the school curriculum
There is a need for a national compensation scheme and programme
There is a need for the Government to support the strengthening of
traditional justice mechanisms
Government should not interfere with the activities or operations of
traditional justice institutions
Government should initiate comprehensive and specific rehabilitation
programmes for war victims and affected communities in Uganda
Amnesty is key to ending rebellion and peace building in Uganda.
Please remember that this brief reflects community perspectives on national issues.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
RLP is very grateful for the contributions made by different individuals and
organizations towards the success of this Transitional Justice Audit Research
in Hoima District. We are indebted to Civil Society Organisations in Hoima,
whose representation was key towards the success of the research. We look
forward to future engagement in transitional justice processes in Uganda.
Finally, our greatest appreciation goes to all our FGD participants for sparing a
whole day to actively participate in the discussions and to the Swedish
International Development Agency and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs for providing financial support for this research.
This field brief was written by Okot Benard Kasozi with valuable input from
Annelieke van de Wiel and Kari Griffiths, all of the RLP. The research team
comprised of Veve Richard, Wamimbi Jimmy, Aliobe Joan, Opiny Shaffic and
Okot Bernard Kasozi as team leader.
Presentation prepared by Opiny Shaffic, with inputs and edits from Chris
Dolan, Annelieke van de Wiel, Moses Alfred Nsubuga and Angella Nabwowe.
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Websites
http://ugpulse.com/images/articles/daily/20060915_100_5.jpg
http://redpepper.co.ug/welcome/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/President-YoweriMuseveni-and-his-cabinet.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AIUpcDHNWE/TquJc1IwtfI/AAAAAAAAAYI/xgKIPHSPms/s1600/PARLIAMENT2.jpg
http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2012/04/Timing-of-Kony-2012-viral-video-stirsdebate-OQ1469T3-x-large.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5wayid_D43A/THcuh6_RJKI/AAAAAAAAAB4/XxFEsjgV_BE
/s1600/Museveni.jpg
http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/03/06/244414-children-withnodding-syndrome-are-prone-to-accidents-such-as-drowning.jpg
http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/1464500/0153896150085.jpg
http://allafrica.com/img/csi/00180973_82d6a11aa065e068043e9d1743db7072/w260x
.jpg
http://journalism.co.ug/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Journalists-covering-anevent1.jpg
http://www.aljazeera.com/mritems/Images/2011/4/28/20114284518379580_20.jpg
http://cdn-english.alshahid.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ugandaarmy.jpg?59dea9
http://www.ugpulse.com/images/news/ultimate/img64201223029AM.jpg
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
BRIEF 8 of 18: Hoima District
NR&TJ
Audit
2011 -2012
Watch this space for Brief 9: Nakapiripirit District