State formation and the politics of land in north-eastern Uganda

Abstract

While most researchers criticize the effectiveness of states in Africa, state formation is proceeding, albeit gradually. This article analyzes state formation along the historically conflict-affected and fragile Karamoja-Teso sub-national border in north-eastern Uganda. I argue that the central state has consolidated control over the north-east and begun the process of politically incorporating Karamoja into Uganda for the first time in history--evidence of state formation. Yet, this success has unintentionally created space for renewed conflict in two ways: (i) a territorial conflict between and within the Teso and Karamoja local states over the legitimate location of the sub-national border, and (ii) rising competition over the utilization of land along the now secure border. I emphasize that tensions surrounding the border are far from a recent development; they are deeply rooted in political, economic, and cultural processes that stretch back centuries. This article makes the...