Abstract
The research was purposed to explore the role of positive practices in culture(s) that support the resolution and management of conflicts. The government’s militaristic options achieved no meaningful results. Lack of peace eluded the 2006 Juba Peace negotiations. This necessitated exploration of alternative approaches to conflict resolution and peace building. The main thrust of this study was the exploration of culture-based approach to conflict resolution in war ravaged northern Uganda. The qualitative research methodology was employed in combination with desktop method. Related literature was reviewed including books, journal articles to explore, discover, identify and understand selected culture-based methods for resolving disputes in communities. Data was collected in conflict affected areas of Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader in northern Uganda. Major finding of the study reveals that the Acholi culture is rich in traditional knowledge, positive cultural practices and skills of conflict resolution and promotes peaceful coexistence among local communities. The research concludes that opportunities exist in culture as demonstrated by the case study of the Acholi people. The study makes three recommendations. Key words: Culture, tradition, conflict resolution, purification, cleansing, reintegration Northern Uganda.
Highlights
The study seeks to explore the positive traditional practices that support resolution and management of conflict in a community
Traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution focus on ritual purification, cleansing and reintegration of individuals into community and maintenance of peace and harmony in society
The choice of traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution and peace building is based on the assumption that in majority of Ugandan Societies including Acholi are rich in knowledge and skills which is inherent in deep-seated practices
Summary
The study seeks to explore the positive traditional practices that support resolution and management of conflict in a community. The major objective of this research was to examine culture in order to find if within culture opportunities exist for conflict resolution in view of enhancing peace building efforts. The study seeks to find alternative methods of conflict resolution and peace building in the war ravaged northern Uganda. The study recognizes that for a long time the African continent was viewed by the world as the cradle and base of deepseated protracted and devastating conflicts, wars, insurgencies and civil unrests. Uganda, which is located in the East African region, has had its share of conflicts, political instability and unrest since its independence in 1962. For example in 1966 the government of President
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