Publication CR-11-19-UL
Published June 30, 2011
By Nate Haken, Kendall Lawrence

Despite a relatively smooth election in February—not violent by historical standards—stability in Uganda appeared a little shaky during the period of January-April 2011. Although there were reports of some irregularities and the use of state funds to shore up the incumbency, overall the election itself was considered reasonably free, if less than fair. Opposition candidates refused to concede defeat. Then, after a failed attempt to inspire popular protest against the election results, the opposition successfully mobilized a massive campaign of protests in multiple cities against rising food and fuel prices. This was seen as a demonstration of popular discontent with the effectiveness of government. These protests went on for days and frequently became violent. Several people were shot dead and hundreds were reportedly arrested during these protests.

Although the protests have since subsided, there is a real concern that the global food crisis of 2008, which had eased in part due to the global recession in 2009, could revisit Uganda, adding to an already volatile political dynamic.

This report provides an overview of incidents and issues across the country, as reported by the UNLocK participants, a network of civil society organizations in Uganda, during the four months of January to April 2011. This report does not presume to be comprehensive or evenly distributed from one district to the other. Rather, it provides a glimpse into the concerns and perspectives of a particular network of civil society organizations, trained in conflict assessment, most of whom come from the Northern part of the country.

Download the Report in PDF Format