Clashing traditions and modern challenges fuel in Western Uganda

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Clashing traditions and modern challenges fuel in Western Uganda
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As the  commemoration of International Peace Day, the spotlight falls on Western Uganda, where the once peaceful culture of the region is now strained by modern challenges.

Rooted in the historical traditions of the Kingdoms like Ankore, the region’s peace was once maintained through collective responsibility and dialogue.

However, the erosion of these traditional systems, alongside rapid societal changes, has seen a rise in domestic violence, school strikes, and other conflicts. In 2024 Jan to June alone, the Rwizi region police reported over 591 cases of domestic violence.

This growing trend, especially in districts like Mbarara, Sheema, and Ibanda, highlights a deeper societal issue, with gender-based violence being at the forefront.

Edgar Baryahika Bamwine, Executive Director of Youth for Peace and Development Uganda, and a peace and conflict resolution expert, points out that many of these conflicts stem from an inability to adapt to changing societal norms.

“Western Uganda is a region rich in tradition, but some people are struggling to catch up with modern trends,” Bamwine says.

“When traditional roles are challenged whether by economic pressures or gender equality conflict often arises, and this is especially visible in homes.” He adds that the persistence of patriarchal norms, combined with the economic stresses of unemployment and poverty, has intensified domestic conflicts, with women bearing much of the brunt.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) of 2021, 56% of married women in Uganda have experienced some form of domestic violence, with rural areas like Western Uganda reporting some of the highest numbers.

The region’s schools are also facing challenges, as the number of strikes continues to rise.

Ntare School has always experienced strikes, with students protesting poor leadership and infrastructure among other concerns. Other schools, such as Mbarara High School and Kashaka girls School, have experienced similar unrest, often fueled by frustrations over inadequate resources and delayed improvements.

Bamwine explains that these strikes are a reflection of deeper dissatisfaction among the youth.

"This is a generation caught between the past and the present, unable to find the peaceful solutions that older generations once relied upon."

These patterns of unrest, whether at home or in schools, reflect the broader disconnect between tradition and modernity.

The role of history in understanding the region’s current challenges, noting that the dissolution of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, such as the council of elders, has left a gap in how disputes are settled.

When the Ankole Kingdom’s role in conflict resolution weakened, so did the structures that maintained peace.

People no longer have the same respect for dialogue and mediation, leading to the rise of violent methods of conflict resolution.

This breakdown, compounded by the absence of effective modern alternatives, has allowed tensions to escalate both in schools and households.

Efforts to revive a culture of peace in Western Uganda must address both the historical context and the current challenges.

Local leaders and human rights organizations are working to combat domestic violence through community sensitization programs, but the region also needs to reinstate dialogue-based conflict resolution strategies. Bamwine stresses that peace cannot be achieved by looking solely to the past or the future.

“To move forward, the region must blend tradition with modern solutions, respecting the wisdom of the elders while adapting to the needs of a new generation.

Peace is not just about eliminating conflict; it’s about creating systems that help people resolve their differences without resorting to violence.”

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