Service delivery and conflict transformation: A case study of selected sub-counties in Moroto District

Abstract

The study explored and examined the effectiveness of service delivery (in particular water and road and communication network) as a strategy for conflict transformation in Moroto District. It was hinged mainly on the theoretical framework of John Paul Lederach and the social capital theory and analyzed the two major contributing elements to conflict transformation, namely, peace building and service delivery. The study combined both documentary research (for secondary data) and field survey research methods by for finding responses to three major research questions derived from the research objectives: - What are the indicators for the need of the current and past conflict transformation strategies used in Moroto district to mitigate conflict? To what extent have conflict transformation strategies effectively mitigated conflict in Moroto district? How has service delivery specifically contributed towards conflict transformation in Moroto district?

The study‘s major findings indicate that conflict transformation in Moroto district has been set back by insecurity and other conflicts, which are caused by: - harsh climatic conditions which limit alternative livelihoods; traditional practices which have orchestrated overstocking of animals; proliferation of small arms; corrupt tendencies at various levels; lack of government commitment to the pastoralists concerns and a clash between the modern and traditional mechanisms of administration. Study findings also show that, conflict transformation is heavily reliant on: - efficient and effective service delivery, appropriate policy framework, community empowerment and participation together with cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders and sustainability of interventions.

The study recommends the following solutions:- addressing the causal factors of insecurity/conflict like the harsh climatic conditions and the resultant drought; exploring a cross-section of alternative livelihoods for the pastoralist groups; pursuit of deliberate efforts to develop policy framework suitable for pastoralists; strengthening and promoting a genuine fusing of the modern and traditional models of conflict transformation and ensuring effective coordination of all stakeholders working in the district.