Disarmament in Karamoja, Northern Uganda: Is This a Solution for Localised Violent Inter and Intra-Communal Conflict?1

Abstract

Disarmament is a major feature of international, regional and national small arms and light weapons control policy and legislation worldwide. The proliferation of arms is now a significant problem amongst pastoralists in the Horn of Africa. In Karamoja, northern Uganda, where armed inter-communal and intra-communal conflict is disrupting lives and livelihoods, several attempts at mitigation have been tried. This article considers whether disarmament attempts have provided any solution to the conflicts. Empirical data collected between 2000 and 2006, consisting of interviews with combatants, local leaders and community members, government reports and media articles have been used to recount these endeavours and their consequences in the communities. The work first gives the regional and cross-border arms dynamics. It then considers the history of conflict and disarmament in Karamoja and examines in detail the recent disarmament since 2001. The successes or failures are considered in terms of weapons collected, mitigation of conflict and establishment of valuable processes such as community participation or inter-agency cooperation.