Peace Agreements Database

Country/entity

Uganda

Region

Africa (excl MENA)

Agreement name

Agreement on Comprehensive Solutions between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the LRA/M

Date

02/05/2007

Agreement status

Multiparty signed/agreed

Interim arrangement

No

Agreement/conflict level

Intrastate/intrastate conflict (Ugandan Conflicts (1970 - )

Uganda has long experienced tensions along ethnic, religious and national lines. On independence in 1962, Ugandan politics were defined by smaller monarchies, among which the Southern Kingdom of Buganda dominated the national sphere. Resistance to this system was the campaign platform of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) led by Milton Obote, who won the 1962 elections. Tension between the Buganda’s ruler King Mutesa II and Obote with his then-ally Idi Amin, led to Obote changing the constitution, abolishing the monarchic system and thus, centralizing power. However, a split between Obote and Amin eventually led to a military coup d’état in 1970, which brought Amin the presidency where he instituted his genocidal regime.

Despite economic collapse, President Amin was only removed from power following a failed attempt at invading Tanzania in 1979, whereby the Tanzanian counter-attack alongside forces loyal to former-President Obote toppled Amin. Authoritarianism continued under the new regime, after Obote won the 1980 elections under dubious circumstances, and in 1985, Obote was once again deposed in a coup. Out of the fray, Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Army (NRA) captured the presidency in 1986 and began instituting economic and democratic reforms.

Resistance to Museveni, however, continued with various insurgencies across the country including by former-supporters of President Obote or President Amin. Other insurgencies based on chiliastic beliefs based on the return of Jesus Christ, most notably the Holy Spirit Movement, fought in the late 1980s before splintering into several smaller factions. One such faction later became the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony. Many of the 22 or more insurgency groups estimated to contain more than 40,000 insurgents, operate from across the Ugandan border and are based in either South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ugandan Conflicts (1970 - ) )

Stage

Framework/substantive - partial (Multiple issues)

Conflict nature

Government

Peace process

120: Uganda peace process

Parties

In witness of the above, the duly authorize representatives of the Parties have signed this Agreement.

Hon. Okello Henry Oryem, Minister of State for International Relations; Deputy Head of GOU and Acting Head of GoU Delegation

Mr. Martin Ojul, Leader of the LRA/M Delegation

Third parties

Witnessed by:

H.E. Dr. Samson L. Kwaje, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Government of Southern Sudan and Acting Mediator of the Peace Talks

H.E. Japhaeth R. Getugi For the Government of Republic of Kenya

H.E. Francisco Caetano Madeira, For the Republic of Mozambique

Lt.-Gen (Rtd) Gillbert Lebeko Ramano, For the Republic of South Africa

H.E. Ali I. Siwa, For the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania

W. David Gressly, UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Southern Sudan

Description

Recognising the impact of the conflict, including the regional disparities and imbalances in the country, the Agreement is committed to finding comprehensive, just and durable solutions to the conflict between the parties. The agreement includes, inter alia, provisions on inclusiveness and equal opportunities in participation in national politics and state institutions, including the government, the judiciary, security organs, and promotes economic and social development of north and north-eastern Uganda.

Agreement document

UG_070502_ComprehensiveSolutions.pdf []

Main category

C: PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL POLITICS AND INSTITUTIONS

2.1.b. The composition of Government shall be broadly representative of the national character gender and social diversity of the country. (p. 3)
2.1.f. The Government shall take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances which may exist against them. (p. 4)

5.0 Ensuring equal opportunities

The Parties agree that the recently enacted Equal Opportunities Law, shall be used to ensure equal treatment of all groups within Uganda; specifically, the elimination of inequalities and discrimination against any individual or group of persons on the ground of ethnic origin, social or economic standing, gender, disability, or political opinion. (p.5)



Page 9, E. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AND NORTH EASTERN UGANDA
Article 12. Vulnerable Groups
12.2 The Parties agree that the Government of Uganda shall in accordance with existing policies and through special assistance programmes in the affected areas make appropriate provision for vulnerable groups and in particular shall protect, resettle and promote the advancement of child-headed households, orphans, street children, unaccompanied minors, traumatized children, widows, female-headed households, persons with disabilities (PWDs), persons living with HIV/AIDS and the elderly.

Women, girls and gender

Participation

Effective participation

Page 3, C: PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL POLITICS AND INSTITUTIONS, 2.0 Principles of Governance, 2.1: ...b. The composition of Government shall be broadly representative of the national character gender and social diversity of the country.
...f. The Government shall take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances which may exist against them

Equality

Equality (general)

Page 5, C: PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL POLITICS AND INSTITUTIONS, 5.0 Ensuring equal opportunities: The Parties agree that the recently enacted Equal Opportunities Law, shall be used to ensure equal treatment of all groups within Uganda; specifically, the elimination of inequalities and discrimination against any individual or group of persons on the ground of ethnic origin, social or economic standing, gender, disability, or political opinion.

Social equality

Page 9, E. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AND NORTH EASTERN UGANDA, Article 12. Vulnerable Groups, 12.2 The Parties agree that the Government of Uganda shall in accordance with existing policies and through special assistance programmes in the affected areas make appropriate provision for vulnerable groups and in particular shall protect, resettle and promote the advancement of child-headed households, orphans, street children, unaccompanied minors, traumatized children, widows, female-headed households, persons with disabilities (PWDs), persons living with HIV/AIDS and the elderly.

Particular groups of women

No specific mention.

International law

No specific mention.

New institutions

No specific mention.

Violence against women

No specific mention.

Transitional justice

No specific mention.

Institutional reform

No specific mention.

Development

Health (general)

Page 9, E. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AND NORTH EASTERN UGANDA Article 12. Vulnerable Groups 12.2 The Parties agree that the Government of Uganda shall in accordance with existing policies and through special assistance programmes in the affected areas make appropriate provision for vulnerable groups and in particular shall protect, resettle and promote the advancement of child-headed households, orphans, street children, unaccompanied minors, traumatized children, widows, femaleheaded households, persons with disabilities (PWDs), persons living with HIV/AIDS and the elderly.

Implementation

No specific mention.

Other

No specific mention.