Information and Communication in Bandit Country: an exploratory study of civil conflict in northern Uganda 1986—2007

Abstract

The conflict in northern Uganda between government forces and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has created an information seeking environment with deep and unusual problems. This study is based on the literature, enriched by informal interviews in Uganda. Government neglect of the region and the LRA's communication through spirit messages and the symbolic use of violence have exacerbated the conflict by creating an intractable information and communication environment. It is concluded that long term resolution of the conflict can only be achieved through solutions that include the restoration of the institutions and practices of effective communication so as to facilitate information seeking.