School of Liberal and Performing Arts (SLPA) Collections

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An examination of refugee – host community conflicts: a case study of Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement

(Makerere University, 2025) Ayakaka, Teddy

This study examined conflicts between refugees and host communities in Bidi Bidi Refugee settlement. The study was guided by three specific objectives, namely, (i) identifying existing conflicts and causes; (ii) profiling the key stakeholders are instrumental in managing refugees and host community relations and, (iii) proposing effective interventions for managing conflicts. Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe District, Uganda, has become one of the largest and most complex refugee-hosting environments globally. Home to over 285,000 South Sudanese refugees, Bidi Bidi presents a unique model of Uganda's inclusive refugee policy, which allows refugees freedom of movement, access to work, education, and the right to cultivate land. While this model has drawn international commendation for its progressive stance, it has also brought with it significant challenges, particularly in terms of conflicts between refugees and host community. Anchored on constructivist philosophy, the study adopted a qualitative approach grounded in both Resource Accessibility and Conflict Transformation Theories. Respondents of the study were key stakeholders who play a critical role in managing refugee - host community relations. These were refugee leaders, host community leaders, officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), NGOs and the Police. Focus group discussions and direct observation were used as a means of collecting data. Seven focus group discussions were conducted. 66 participants took part in the study. Data analysis employed a thematic approach. From the findings, unmet expectations in exchange for giving land to settle refugees, hosts’ perceptions of unequal treatment and land disputes were identified as the root causes of the conflict. Resource competition, environmental pressures and gender-based violence have been identified as major conflict drivers. In parallel, socio-economic grievances driven by perceptions of inequality in access to aid, social services and employment opportunities, coupled with challenges associated with security and safety contribute to deepening divisions between the two populations. The study identified a range of strategies for sustainable conflict management. These include community sensitization, equitable resource-sharing, inclusion of local leaders in peacebuilding, and the establishment of joint livelihood initiatives to reduce dependency and foster cooperation. The findings point to the necessity of addressing not only the material needs of affected communities but also their deeper psychological, cultural, and identity-based needs. The study concludes that sustainable peace in Bidi Bidi depends on holistic, inclusive approaches that go beyond humanitarian relief to include conflict-sensitive development and genuine community engagement. These insights may also be applicable to other large-scale refugee contexts across the region and globally
Implementation of the right to work for persons with disabilities in Uganda: a case study Kyengera Town Council in Wakiso District

(Makerere University, 2025) Amongin, Sarah

This study examined the factors limiting the implementation of legal frameworks guaranteeing the right to work for persons with physical disabilities (PWDs) in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. Although Uganda has ratified international instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and enacted national legislation such as the Persons with Disabilities Act (2006 and 2020), many PWDs continue to face systemic barriers in accessing employment. These include discrimination, stigma, inaccessible workplaces, and inadequate accommodation. Despite the establishment of institutions like the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the National Council for Disability (NCD), enforcement of inclusive employment policies remains weak. The study therefore sought to examine the effectiveness of these legal frameworks, identify barriers faced by skilled PWDs, and analyze the challenges limiting employers in implementing disability-inclusive employment practices. The research adopted a qualitative approach in case study design, which enabled an in-depth exploration of PWDs’ employment rights within their local context. Data were collected from 30 participants through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-depth Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The sample comprised 6 key informants from institutions such as EOC, NUDIPU, MGLSD, CDO, CBO and local leadership, 10 participants drawn from employers and PWDs for In-depth interviews and 2 FGDs of seven participants from PWDs each. Data saturation guided sample adequacy, ensuring rich insights into institutional, attitudinal, and structural barriers affecting the right to work for PWDs. The study found that while Uganda’s legal frameworks such as Articles 32, 35, and 40 of the 1995 Constitution, affirm the right to work for PWDs, their implementation remains weak due to limited awareness among employers and PWDs themselves. Knowledge of these frameworks was mainly confined to institutional actors like EOC and NUDIPU. Persistent cultural beliefs continue to equate disability with inability, reinforcing exclusion in the labor market. Physical inaccessibility, lack of assistive technologies, and inadequate transport services further limit PWDs’ participation. Employers cited high costs of accommodation and the absence of government incentives as barriers to inclusion. Additionally, ambiguities in legal provisions and weak dissemination of policy information hinder compliance. The study revealed that while NGOs and EOC promote inclusivity, there remains a disconnect between legal intent and practical enforcement. Despite progressive legal frameworks, their poor implementation perpetuates employment inequality for PWDs. Structural, institutional, and attitudinal barriers remain entrenched, undermining the transformative potential of Uganda’s disability legislation. Employers’ limited awareness, weak government enforcement, and inadequate provision of assistive technologies continue to exclude PWDs from the workforce. The study recommends strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of disability-related legal frameworks by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and intensifying public awareness campaigns through the EOC and UHRC. It further suggests introducing tax exemptions or subsidies for assistive devices, promoting inclusive recruitment practices through the Public Service Commission, and integrating disability-inclusive budgeting within the Ministry of Finance to ensure sustainable and equitable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The dynamics surrounding archaeological heritage and the building of national identity through Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site

(Makerere University, 2025) Zihove, Tendai

Great Zimbabwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the capital of a large Shona kingdom that flourished between the 11th and 17th centuries. For many Zimbabweans today, it serves as a symbol of Zimbabwean identity and national heritage. Different groups including research institutions, spirit mediums, tourism officials, the Zimbabwe construction industry and church groups have competing interests over the archaeological heritage of Great Zimbabwe. These actors adopt the name and architectural motifs of the site, and in some cases use of the site for ritual ceremonies. This study examines the contestation over the use of the site for national identity purposes and how that affects its management and conservation Drawing on semi- structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and archival research, this thesis reveals that clashes over competing uses of the site for national identity purposes are mainly caused by divergent understandings of the site’s cultural, historical, economic and political significance. Postcolonial theory, theory of Imagined Community and the concept of habitus guide the study. The study recommends that there is a need for the Government of Zimbabwe to impose laws that enable everyone to use the site without compromising its integrity.
Gendered analysis of socio-economic challenges of water access and implications for equitable water management in Juba City

(Makerere University, 2025) Garang, Alier Ayuen

This study investigated the interplay of socio-economic, physical, institutional, and cultural factors affecting women’s access to safe water and their participation in water management in Juba City, South Sudan. The study was guided by four objectives: (i) to identify the socio-economic factors hindering water access; (ii) to assess the effect of these factors on women’s access to safe water; (iii) to establish the status of women’s participation in water provision and management; and (iv) to examine the constraints that hinder women’s effective participation in water governance. A sample of 300 households was selected using stratified random sampling across six divisions in Juba City. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests to examine associations between key variables. Findings indicate that socio-economic and demographic variables such as age, sex, education level, marital status, and employment type were not statistically significant determinants of access to safe water. In contrast, physical access variables were highly influential: households traveled an average of 3,215 meters to reach a water source, with some walking up to 6 kilometers, and 63% reported waiting over 30 minutes at water points. Additionally, 78% of respondents reported water scarcity during dry months, and 58% experienced at least one incident of water-related conflict or harassment, particularly affecting women and children. Regarding participation, while women are responsible for water collection in over 80% of households, only 18% reported female involvement in water management decisions, and even fewer in technical roles. Constraints to participation included low education levels, lack of legal awareness, male-dominated decision-making structures, and institutional environments perceived as unwelcoming to women. The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to improve water access and women’s participation. These include expanding and decentralizing water infrastructure to reduce distance and waiting time, enforcing gender-sensitive water policies, and initiating community sensitization campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms. Capacity-building programs focused on technical skills and leadership for women, along with institutional reforms to make governance spaces more inclusive, are also critical. Addressing both the physical and structural barriers is essential to ensuring equitable water access and empowering women in water governance across Juba City.
Social media: a double-edged sword in promoting peace and security in Uganda, Kampala Central Region

(Makerere University, 2025) Musinguzi, Hillary

The study examined “Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword in Promoting Peace and Security in Uganda, Kampala Central Region.” The study aimed to achieve three specific objectives: to examine the contributions of social media to promoting peace and security, to identify the challenges that social media poses to promoting peace and security, and to suggest strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by social media towards promoting peace and security in Uganda. A cross-sectional design was used, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. A total of 374 participants from Kampala Central Division took part in the research, with triangulation used to enhance the validity of the findings. The research utilized convenience, purposive, and simple random sampling strategies. The response rates for questionnaires and interviews were 98 percent and 86 percent, respectively. To ensure consistency in data collection and interpretation, a pilot study was conducted among selected knowledgeable respondents to verify data validity and reliability. Qualitative analysis was performed using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that social media has been highly effective in contributing to peace and security in Uganda (mean = 3.62, SD = 1.09). Moreover, the findings strongly indicate that social media present challenges to promoting peace and security in Uganda (mean = 3.89, SD = 0.078). Finally, the study validated strategies to address these challenges, such as government monitoring, collaboration between social media companies and organizations, social media literacy, strengthening legal frameworks, and promoting dialogue (Mean = 3.87, St. D = 0.1002). The study suggests a multi-faceted approach that includes better digital literacy, stronger legal and regulatory frameworks, better government monitoring, and more cooperation between social media companies, government agencies, and civil society groups. It also advocates for local content creation, digital peace campaigns, and community involvement to counter harmful narratives and promote peacebuilding. The study concludes that although social media carries notable risks, it also offers transformative opportunities for fostering peace and security. Therefore, strategic and collaborative actions are essential to harness its benefits while minimizing misuse.

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