The Effects Of Resettlement Of Bakiga In Kibaale District: A Case Study Of Kagadi Sub County Kibaale District

ABSTRACT

This study focused on a number of aspects concerning the effect of the resettlement of the Bakiga on the socio-economic and political issues with specific reference to Kagadi sub-county, Kibaale District. Kibaale district is a multi-ethnic community drawing from the Banyoro, Bakonjo, Baganda, Bamba, Bafumbira, Bakiga, Batooro, Banyarwanda and other ethnic groups which have lived in harmony and have become relatives through marriages, trade and brotherhood. Although waves of conflicts surfaced during the Nyangire revolt of 1918 and the Mubende Banyoro committee immediately before the 1964 referendum, these were either sustained nor did they follow the specific pattern as it was the case during and after 2002 elections of the district chair person. Prominent and sustained ethnic conflict was sparked off by the elections of the district chairperson in Kibaale district in 2002. During the 2002 local council elections, especially the elections of the district chairperson, the voting behavior was based on ethnic alliances. Based on the game of the numbers, the 'Bafuruki' (alliance of settler ethnic groups) successfully fueled Mr. Rulemera against Mr. Ssekitooleko Ssali representing the Mubende- Banyoro community (alliance of the X indigenous communities). The results of elections fueled further ethnic violence which made it practically impossible for the chairman elect to govern the district. The cease fire was brokered by H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda. A compromise chairperson was selected through a series of dialogue meetings of the two alliances. Finally the chairperson elect was sworn in office and resigned on the same day to pave way for fresh elections of the compromise chairperson. The study employed the use of probability and non probability sampling techniques where a total of 36 respondents were purposively sampled because either of their leadership positions or their experiences in relation to citizenship and Kibaale conflict. According to the nature of the problem that was under investigation, the study was largely designed to-'be a qualitative one for the creation of room for probing and exploration. Data was obtained by the use of questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion methods. After which it was edited coded and analysed Xl by the use of table drawings which put respondents in percentages and literature interpretation followed subsequently. The study observed that as Uganda strives to put in place national programmes to propel its development into the future, there is a major setback whereby the citizens in certain communities do not view themselves first as Ugandans, instead they see themselves as members of certain tribes and often directly conflict with other tribes who live with them. Consequently, it becomes difficult to mobilize people towards national development programmes like education, health and infrastructural development. Some are taken up by tribal conflicts and they are diverted from development causes. In conclusion, the settlers have to assimilate themselves into the local culture settings in terms of learning Runyoro and their culture instead of trying to impose their own culture on the Banyoro which makes the Banyoro feel underrated.