General- Salzburg Global Seminar

Past Program

Jul 07 - Jul 09, 2004 IHJR 04

Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation: Historical Memories of Cooperation, Conflict and Reconciliation in Uganda

Abstract

Salzburg Seminar

Institute for Historical

Justice and Reconciliation

The Practical Application of History for the Contemporary World

UGANDA PROJECT
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SUMMARY: The IHJR's Uganda Project aims to explore Uganda's recent past through the promotion of archival research, academic publications, public discourse, and the engagement of the government, military, academic and independent sectors. The work is funded by an initial grant from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation with additional support from the Rausing Trust. Currently, the Uganda Project is being developed into a multi-year initiative with the long-term goal of creating a clear historical record of events, and the establishment of an historical commission for the country.

BACKGROUND: The origins of the IHJR Uganda Project date back to a meeting on historical reconciliation convened by the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund's Pocantico Conference Center from February 15 to 16, 2002, which was followed by a visit by an exploratory visit by IHJR co-founder, Elazar Barkan, to Uganda in January 2004. At this time, Barkan established a formal link between the IHJR and the Centre for Basic Research in Kampala. From July 8 to 9, 2004, the IHJR and the Centre for Basic Research convened an exploratory workshop on history and reconciliation. The meeting took place in Jinja,Uganda, and was attended by sixteen participants. The main objective of the workshop was to discuss the role that historical research could help promote reconciliation and peace building efforts in the country, and to explore the potential for the initiation of a long-term project in Uganda. The workshop brought together scholars, political leaders, representatives from the independent sector as well as individuals involved in conflict resolution in Uganda. In September 2004, Patt Mwambutsya, Lecturer, Department of History, Makerere University, Kampala, attended the Salzburg Seminar and discussed modalities for integrating the experience of the Uganda Project with IHJR initiatives in other regions of the world.

THE PROJECT: As currently planned, the Uganda Project will last for five years, and will consist of ongoing primary research and historical writing in Uganda with relevant involvement of other IHJR projects. The ultimate goal of these meetings will be three-fold:

To open archives and assemble a body of primary source research material
To engage historians in establishing a historic record based on documented facts
To engage public figures, political, military and religious leaders, educators, and public commentators, in bringing the results to broad public

The dimensions of the IHJR Uganda Project will depend on the availability of funding. It is hoped that in the long-term the project could secure funding from multiple sources both outside as well as within Uganda. For further information on the Uganda Project, please contact:

Patt Mwambutsya

Lecturer, Department of History

Makerere University

Kampala, Uganda

Tel: (41) 531-841

Email: ndebesam@yahoo.com

Dr. Elazar Barkan

Professor of History

Claremont Graduate University

710 College Ave.

Claremont, CA 91711

Tel: +1 (909) 6073459