Discursive Security and Violent Extremism in Uganda
| dc.contributor.author | Ogiki B P | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-15T07:14:28Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-15T07:14:28Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The main aim of this study was to determine the role of discursive security in countering violent extremism in Uganda. The discursive approach to security analysis emphasizes the role of language and communication in shaping our understanding of security issues. Globally, discursive security has formed a large part of security narrative related to violent extremism. It focuses on how various forms of communication, both online and offline can either contribute to the spread of violent extremism or be harnessed to counteract it. The study was guided by the following objectives; to analyze and discuss the nature of violent extremism cases in Uganda, to establish how discursive security is perceived in counter violent extremism in Uganda and to assess the challenges and opportunities of discursive security in curbing violent extremism. The research study utilized the constructivism theory which that emphasizes the role of ideas, beliefs, and social interactions in shaping human behavior and the world around us. In the context of curbing violent extremism in Uganda, securitization theory can be applied to understand how the discourse around security and extremism is shaped and how it influences policy responses. This research utilized a descriptive research design, since it seeks to provide answers to the questions on the current status of discursive security and violent extremism in Uganda. The study mainly relied on qualitative secondary data. The study findings show that, the nature of violent extremism in Uganda is multifaceted entailing regional terrorist organizations namely; the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Al Shabaab militia group based in Somalia. Other sources of terrorism in Uganda emanated from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony and also another one named the Holy Spirit Movement (HSM) which to a greater extent influenced the security environment of much of Northern and Eastern Uganda. The discursive security in Uganda entails the use of discourse, communication, and narrative strategies to counter various security challenges. It has also formed part of the strategies adopted to counter violent extremism, and plays a significant role in curbing violent extremism, by addressing the ideological and communicative aspects of extremist narratives. Discursive Security therefore, facilitates counterterrorism by debunking misinformation spread by extremist groups. Some of the challenges confronting discursive security in Uganda include; complexity of messaging and cultural sensitivity. This means that different cultural contexts demand nuanced approaches, which implies that; what works in one community might not work the same way in another community, thereby necessitating a deep understanding of local cultures and norms. Further, challenges such as limited access to civic education, widespread misinformation, and the spread of radical ideologies through informal channels like local religious centers (Mosques) or online platforms (social media platforms), pose obstacles to effective communication and information dissemination. However, there also exist several opportunities associated with discursive security in curbing violent extremism in Uganda which include, empowerment through alternative narratives, community engagement and ownership of their security strategies as well as early intervention and prevention. In this regard the study recommends that, there is need to develop a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, academia, and international partners to address violent extremism comprehensively, invest in community-based initiatives that empower local actors to challenge extremist narratives, promote tolerance, and build social cohesion as well as strengthen education systems to foster critical thinking, media literacy, and intercultural understanding as preventive measures against radicalization. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/162 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | NDU-K | |
| dc.title | Discursive Security and Violent Extremism in Uganda | |
| dc.type | Thesis |