IN THEIR OWN VOICES: LEARNING from WOMEN PEACEBUILDERS in UGANDA a Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the Un

IN THEIR OWN VOICES: LEARNING FROM WOMEN PEACEBUILDERS IN UGANDA A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Guelph by JENNIFER BALL In partial fulfillment of requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October, 2008 ©Jennifer Ball, 2008 Library and Bibliotheque et 1*1 Archives Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-47583-6 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-47583-6 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives and Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par Plntemet, prefer, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans loan, distribute and sell theses le monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, worldwide, for commercial or non sur support microforme, papier, electronique commercial purposes, in microform, et/ou autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. 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Canada ABSTRACT IN THEIR OWN VOICES: LEARNING FROM WOMEN PEACEBUILDERS IN UGANDA Jennifer Susan Ball Advisor: University of Guelph, 2008 Dr. Wayne Caldwell This thesis explores the roles of women in peacebuilding at the community level in Uganda. It focuses on the lived experiences of women who are not self-defined peacebuilders but whose lives speak of the values inherent to building a culture of peace. Most definitions of peacebuilding relate to post-conflict reconstruction and reflect a Western bias toward intervention in these contexts. As such they do not adequately acknowledge peacebuilding efforts of individuals within local communities, particularly of women. Women's contributions to peacebuilding are primarily at the grassroots, rarely profiled, and therefore remain under-represented within the mainstream peacebuilding discourse. This research is influenced by a more holistic perspective of peacebuilding, relating to the values, beliefs, attitudes, and actions that contribute to building a culture of peace, and therefore inclusive of the whole cycle of conflict - prevention, resolution, and reconstruction. The study profiles five Ugandan women, from different regions - Arua, Gulu, Kisoro, Kampala, and Moroto - representative of varying contexts and conditions of conflict in the country. Using a narrative methodology, it highlights, through their life stories, the connections between their lives and peacebuilding, identifying specific peacebuilding initiatives, their roles, challenges, and sources of inspiration. What becomes evident is that these women's involvement in peacebuilding is their response to the struggles of their lives lived within specific contexts, in relation to others, and as part of their communities. A cross-case analysis reveals themes of shared contexts of poverty and meeting basic human needs, the multiple roles of the women, access to resources, the centrality of relationships, spirituality, the role of husbands, and the role of education. Recognizing the interconnections between peacebuilding and development is central to valuing the contributions of these women. Also of significance is the influence of the indigenous African worldview, the role of context in defining peacebuilding, the necessity of recognizing peacebuilding in the work of women's ordinary lives, and the importance of opportunities for expanding their networks to support and enhance their peacebuilding capacities. Through such insights, this research broadens current conceptions of peacebuilding and challenges our understandings of the ways women contribute to building peace. Acknowledgements It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That initial step and those that followed were taken with the support and encouragement of numerous individuals, in official and unofficial capacities, each accompanying me in different ways along both my academic and personal paths. To each I owe a debt of gratitude. As my advisor but also as a colleague and friend, Wayne Caldwell has been unwavering in his belief in me and my abilities and dreams. It was he who planted the first seeds of a PhD and it is he who has in so many practical ways created the conditions necessary for those seeds to grow to fruition. For his extraordinary ability to see the positive in every situation, to remain open to new ideas yet to challenge me, I am grateful. My committee members, Al Lauzon, Karen Landman, and Anna-Marie Ball have been a dynamic complement. Al's gifts have been hours of listening deeply to my evolving ideas and process, challenging me yet offering guidance, and, all the while, continually giving me permission to follow my heart. Karen has brought an openness to my research ideas and, at key moments, posed challenging questions and offered refreshing insights. Anna- Marie, being located in Kampala, was brought on later in the process and provided essential ongoing critique, analysis, and insight as the research process evolved. As well as accommodation, she provided invaluable companionship over my two years in Uganda - a circle now complete after my having done the same during the final year of her PhD. As my sister and friend, Anna-Marie not only forged the way for me by being the first in our family to earn a PhD but, in so many countless ways throughout my life, has mentored and applauded me. i The five women whose stories are the subject of this research have inspired and taught me important life lessons. Without them this study would not have been possible. All of them - J. Joyce M. Pol-Lokkia, Tina Zubedha Umar, Juliana Munderi Denise, Rita Nkemba, Rose Miligan Lochiam - are strong, innovative, and courageous women. Each in her own way welcomed me into her life and opened herself, her family, and her community to me. For such generosity and for the gifts of their stories, I am deeply grateful. Marg Huber, of Global Peace Hut (GPH), with gentle graciousness and unflagging optimism, championed my research from its initial inception. With the affiliation of her organization, GPH, she helped open the way for me to go to Uganda. Whilst in Uganda, Dr. Deus Nkurunziza, of the Religious Studies Department at Makerere University, gave generously of his time, experience, reference resources, and personal connections. The Makerere Peace and Conflict Studies Resource Centre made it possible to complete my literature review in-country. Paulo Wangoola, of Mpambo Afrikan Multiversity, brought much insight and wisdom. Through his ongoing work with indigenous 'mother-tongue scholars', I was privileged to participate in a series of dialogues toward further 'decolonization of the mind'. Adiga Eddie, research assistant and friend, saved me from hours of transcription, managed travel logistics, frequently translated language and culture, and continually reminded me to live in the present. n Throughout this entire journey, Ayiko Solomon's love and unfaltering belief in me and in my ability to complete this degree has sustained me. Irene Yebuga embraced me fully into her family and provided important introductions in Uganda. Jeanne Andersen, once high school art teacher now resolute friend, fellow lover of Africa and of things woman, consistently calls me back to my soul and to inherent creativity. Heidi Hoernig, fellow traveler on the PhD path, led the way for me, providing academic insight and sharing the struggle of grappling with head/heart balance. Other strong women friends who surround me and, in their own unique ways, nourish my life are Lyn McNiffe, Ildiko Denes, Doris Jakobsh, Heather Lokko, and Yvonne Kaethler. My family, my source of constant support and ever present advice, are the ones who have traveled the whole of my life's journey with me, who have ridden the highs and the lows, and whose love is steadfast. From my parents, Harold and Patricia Ball, I have been given my great love for people, my affinity for Africa, and my sense of justice and integrity. In my family are both my roots and my wings. Finally, to my Creator, my ancestors, and 'all my relations', I give great thanks. Project Support This project was supported through funding from the IDRC Doctoral Research Award, the SSHRC Graduate Fellowship, and the University of Guelph. iii Table of Contents Acknowledgements i List of Tables xii List of Figures xii Prologue: Reflections

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