An assessment of policing on conflict transformation: a case of Gulu District

Abstract

The research study sought to carry out an examination of policing on conflict transformation using a case of Gulu district in northern Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives; to examine the role of policing in managing interpersonal conflict in post war Gulu, to establish the role policing plays in managing social and inter-group conflicts in post war Gulu, to find out the challenges of policing in conflict transformation in Gulu district. The researcher gathered primary data using survey method using a questionnaire as the main instrument while secondary data was obtained by analyzing the available literature from books, reports and journals. The study consisted of 220 respondents who were selected using both simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The research study used a theoretical framework in the investigations. The findings found out that community outreach visits and dialogue, involvement in community service projects, local council – police initiatives, support to NGOs in conflict resolution, and community partnerships were some of the roles of policing in managing interpersonal conflict in post war. Creating community shared experience, community mediation, embracing community team work, and support to local justice were some of the role policing plays in managing social & intergroup conflicts in post war. Weaknesses in leadership and management, Lack of facilitation, poor technology, and poor communication cited as challenges of policing in conflict transformation in Gulu district. The study concludes that patrolling ensures effective problem identification within the respective communities in post war areas and it also enables the community to carry out problem evaluation within the communities. In a nutshell, community participation police patrols reduce crime in communities. The study recommends participation in sensitizations about crime will automatically reduce the crime levels in communities around Gulu. In regard to the above conclusion drawn, the study signifies a concern for more integrated approaches to be sought and a realistic investment to directly be made in support of the existing strategies, which seem to be lacking financial support although they would have been good policies in attainment of peace.