A study on the role of communication in conflict resolution: A case study of mega fm radio in gulu district, northern uganda

Abstract

This paper seeks to unravel the role radio has played in conflict resolution in northern Uganda. It touches on Uganda's history tracing the roots of the conflict in the north and describing the present situation. The paper studies media in Uganda and the northern region generally and later narrows down particularly to radio in Gulu District. Using Mega FM as a case study, the paper demonstrates how radio in the region has played a significant role in conflict resolution by providing the population with relevant and accurate information aimed at increasing their participation in the search for peace and stability. The paper provides a theoretical framework of the study, focusing on theories of conflict and the functional theories of media and in particular the agenda setting theory. It draws secondary literature from previous studies in a bid to fill the knowledge gap as regards the topic of study. The paper describes the methodology of data collection and presents an analysis and interpretation of the data. Finally, it identifies specific recommendations which if implemented can be utilized in fostering a faster peace process in northern Uganda and can be replicated in other conflict areas.