Migrancy, Resource Contestation and Citizenship Claims in Uganda’s Oil Region

Since the 1990s, there have been waves of migration from different areas of Uganda and across its borders into the Bunyoro region. This has aroused suspicion from the natives of the region, resulting in persistent conflicts with so-called newcomers. This chapter argues that, due to the existence of oil resources, the Albertine region has become centre stage of persistent ‘ethnic’ conflicts and resource contestations, especially around land. Using interviews conducted in 2020 and documentary review, the study notes migrancy as a major trigger for conflicts in the oil region. Drawing from Lee’s theory of migration regarding push and pull factors, the study points to oil resource as a “pull” to many Ugandans from different areas into Bunyoro, which has put pressure on land leading to conflicts since the 1990s. We suggest state involvement in the regulation of immigration into the Albertine region and local involvement in the exploitation of oil resources.