Influence Of the Civil Society Organizations on Post-conflict Peace Building; A Case Study of Gulu District In Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of the Civil Society Organizations on Post-conflict Peace building with reference to Gulu District in Northern Uganda. This study was guided by three objectives, that is, to determine the influence of CSOs in enhancing post-war reconciliation, postwar internal security and postwar economic recovery in Gulu District. This study was a cross-sectional survey research design because it focused on a cross-section of people and CSOs in Gulu. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study assessed the role of CSOs in post-war reconciliation in Gulu District and uunder this section, a big number of respondents (53.9%) agreed with the statement that their CSOs had helped in postwar conflict prevention. Using Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant relationship between CSOs in enhancement of post-war reconciliation among communities in Gulu District. However, some internal conflicts, particularly land related were still evident because boundaries were distorted during the war. In assessing the role of CSOs in enhancing internal security, the results indicated a significant relationship between CSOs and enhancement of postwar internal security among communities in Gulu District. Regarding human rights, it was reported that women with disabilities in Northern Uganda experience ongoing discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence. That many are unable to gain access to basic services, including Health care and Justice, and they have been largely ignored in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. However, poverty still prevails and youth unemployment is a persistent problem in the developing Gulu, posing both economic and security issues. Nevertheless, there was a significant relationship between CSOs and enhancement of postwar economic recovery in Gulu District. However, it is recommended that ownership and political will is not only important, but it is mandatory for reconciliation processes. Reconciliation must be in the hands always of the people reconciling. If they are not willing to reconcile, donors must wait until sufficient local appetite for it has emerged, Based on the conflict analysis, it is possible to establish peace-building and reconciliation needs. Special emphasis should be given to needs in the topics described in the study, truth, justice and healing at all levels of society, across age, gender and particular condition.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION...........,..,.,, ,,.,,o,,~,,,...~,,....,, ,..~.

APPROVAL iii

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF TABLES Viii

LIST OF FIGURES ix

ABSTRACT x

C~E~ ON~E .1

1.0 Jntroduction 1

1.1 Background to the Study 1

1.2 Statement ofthe Problem 5

1.3 Pu~ose of the Study 6

1.4 Objectives 6

1.5 Research Questions 6

1.6 Scope of the Study 7

1.7 Significance ofthe Study 8

CHAPTER TWO 10

2.0 Introduction 10

2.1 Theoretical Framework 10

2.2 Influence of CSOs in Enhancing Postwar Reconciliation among Communities 12

2.3 Influence of CSOs in Enhancing Postwar Internal Security among Communities 15

2.4 Influence of CSOs in Enhancing Postwar Reconstruction among Communities 16

CHAPTER THREE 19

3.0 Introduction 19

3.1 Research Design 19

3.2 Study Population 20

3.3 Sampling Procedure 20

3.4 Sample Size .21

3.5 Data Collection Methods! Instruments 21

vi

3.4 Validity and Reliability of Instruments .23

3.5 Aralysis of Quantitative Data 25

3.6 Use of descriptive statistics 26

3.7 Analysis of Qualitative Data 26

3.8 Ethical Considerations 27

3.9 Limitations of the Study 27

CHAPTER FOUR 29

DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION 29

4.0 Introduction 29

4.1 Demographic Characteristics ofRespondents 29

4.2 Assessment of Civil Society Organizations in Gulu 33

4.3 Assessment of the Role of CSOs in Post-War Reconciliation in Gulu District 35

4.4 Assessment ofthe Role of CSOs in enhancing Internal Security 39

4.5 Assessment of the role of CSOs in enhancing Economic Recovery 42

CHAPTER FIVE 48

5.0 Introduction 48

5.1 Discussion of Findings 48

5.2 Conclusions 57

5.4 Recommendations 59

References 61

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNAIRE 65

Appendix 2: Sample Size Determination Table 69