International advocacy and the resolution of land conflicts in Gulu District in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the roles of international advocacy in resolving land conflicts in Northern Uganda, taking Gulu District a case study. In the quest to understand why there is a steady increase in land-related conflict in the region despite international advocacy that bridges the gaps in conflict resolutions process, the study focused on causes of land conflicts, effectiveness of international advocacy as a mechanism in resolving land conflicts and the applicability of constructivism in explaining the roles of international advocacy in resolving land conflicts in Gulu district. To avoid duplication of a report of a single organisation and because of fear of inadequate data due to the sensitive nature of this study, a couples of international organisations with their partnered organisation participated basing on their availability and consent. The study was guided by Constructivism theory which argues that concepts are socially constructed. This means that they are made through social interaction and socially-applied meanings, rather than given inherent, natural value. They argues that international organizations through social interaction have the role of not only regulating state behaviour but also modifying the identity and interest of states, which, in turn, directs states action. A total of 71 respondents were sampled. They included district technical staff, elected leaders, traditional leaders, staff of International Organisations (IOs), direct victims of land conflicts and academics. The study covered secondary sources such as documents and reports. Collection of data was based on a case study research design in which in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and review of documents were made. Data was analysed using content-based analysis. The study revealed that international advocacy somewhat resolves land conflicts in Gulu district through support to local Organisations. Their major challenge was restrain from direct involvement in the advocacy which made it very difficult for the rural poor populace to understand their roles and access their services. The major causes of land conflicts in the district revealed by this study are structural dilemmas, strained relationship, corruption and value attachment. The international advocacy activities in Gulu district revealed by this study are conduct of research, financial and technical support, training, mobilization, sensitization, and monitoring which enhances resolving land conflict through mediations, negotiation, conciliation, adjudication, arbitration and government decision. The study documented the factors that hampered the effectiveness of the international advocacy activities and proposed recommendations to minimize such limitations to ensure a positive maximization of land conflict resolution.