Catastrophic Conflicts: “Analyzing the Historical, Social, and Economic Roots of Land Boundary Disputes in Eastern Uganda"

Abstract

Land boundary disputes in Eastern Uganda remain a persistent and complex problem shaped by a combination of historical, social, and economic forces. Colonial land policies introduced systems of ownership that conflicted with traditional communal tenure, leading to dispossession and inequality. Postcolonial reforms often reinforced these imbalances, with political elites benefiting disproportionately. Social factors such as ethnic diversity, cultural conceptions of land, and demographic pressures compound tensions, while economic drivers like agricultural commercialization, resource competition, and wealth disparities exacerbate disputes. Climate change further intensifies scarcity, fueling conflict among pastoral and farming communities. Case studies from Bukedea, Kumi, and Ngora illustrate how these dynamics play out in real settings. Local governance structures and gender considerations influence dispute resolution, but challenges of corruption, limited capacity, and customary-law conflicts remain. This study synthesizes historical, social, and economic dimensions to propose inclusive, transparent, and technology-enabled approaches to conflict resolution.