The role of community peace mobilisation in peace building process in Karamoja: case study Rupa sub county, Moroto district

Abstract

The study was about assessing the contribution of community mobilization in peace building process among the conflicting people in Rupa Sub county-Moroto District. The was guided by three objectives; the ways of community peace mobilization, the impact of community peace mobilization on peaceful coexistence and lastly the challenges faced by the actors in this process. The study also reviewed literature basing on the themes that where derived from the objectives. The study used a descriptive research design in which both the quantitative and qualitative approaches where used as methods of data collections. Findings revealed that, there is serious community peace mobilization in Rupa Sub County signified by the respondents interviewed who were either aware of such interventions or were directly involved. The major actors in community peace mobilization are the Civil Society Organizations commonly known to the community as NGOs. The major ways of community peace mobilisation in Rupa Sub County involved the use of dialogue and retreats, peace meetings and treaties and the massive sensitization that has been conducted in the sub county. As regards the impact of community peace mobilisation in Rupa Sub County, it was established by the respondents that it had led to the prevalence of peace and stability in the sub county. This was followed by economic growth due to joint markets and an increased number of people who observe the law. As regards the challenges faced in community peace mobilisation; majority of the respondents identified poverty, famine and unemployment as their major obstacle. The study recommended government implementation of its proposed remuneration policy for hard to reach areas. An adoption of conflict sensitive approach in development planning where contentious services are deliberately provided to aid in promoting peace and involving women in the peace process. As per areas of further research, the interviewer recommends research on the role that women in Karamoja have played in promoting peaceful coexistence, and the extent to which peaceful existence in Karamoja has led to the adoption of subsistence farming as an alternative to pastoralism.