Identity assertions as a strategy to claim resources: the shifting locality of Bunyoro (Uganda) in the context of the global oil production par Fredrick Kiseka-Ntale (DRASPAC, Université Makerere, Ouganda), Claire Médard (IRD, URMIS)

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Enregistrements audio du colloque international "Le pétrole, entre nationalismes et régionalismes : approches géopolitiques et anthropologiques" organisé par Hosham Dawod (FMSH) et Marc-Antoine de Montclos (IFG) les 24 et 25 septembre 2014 à la Fondation Maison des sciences de l’homme de Paris (A retrouver sur France Culture Plus). Identity assertions as a strategy to claim resources: the shifting locality of Bunyoro (Uganda) in the context of the global oil production par Fredrick Kiseka-Ntale (DRASPAC, Université Makerere, Ouganda), Claire Médard (IRD, URMIS). At the start of major oil explorations in the Bunyoro kingdom of Uganda in 2006, there have emerged significant discussions on resource claims, identities and competitions at local, regional and global levels. Our paper focuses on the strategies linking identity to territory in order to exert control over local resources. In the African context, such strategies are usually described as conforming to an ideology of autochthony, which we hope to discuss. Different levels of claims and strategies are mobilised to negotiate a share of the national cake as well as access to resources locally. Our study is based on qualitative interviews and fieldwork conducted in 2012-2014 within a collaborative research framework on Poverty, Resource Accessibility and Spatial Mobility in East Africa (M-PRAM). Highlighting issues of citizenship and nationhood, we start by analysing ethnic categorization centred on narratives of inclusion and exclusion. The variety of perspectives offers a sharp contrast with rigid perspectives on belonging. Turning to look at the role of the Bunyoro kingdom within the broader framework of the restoration of kingdoms in Uganda and the creation of cultural leaders without executive powers in 1993, we shall examine its bid to negotiate a share of the oil revenue at the national level as well as regain control over local resources. In this regard we endeavour to contribute to the understanding of issues such as; what is the basis of the Kingdom’s claims ? What forms of mobilisation are emerging in Bunyoro today and how are they reflected in the resource debates ? Are kingdom officials speaking with one voice ? Are there any dissenting voices within the kingdom ? What is the interaction between local government and kingdom ? What game is President Museveni playing ? How do the local claims, the kingdom and prospective oil revenue fit in his politics ?