Paper short abstract:

This research analyses ethnic identities in Kampala City. It relies on data obtained from key informants’ interviews, document analysis and observations made in the city. The research concludes that Ugandans living in Kampala are highly ethnic or ‘tribal’ leading to disunity, conflict and underdevelopment.

Paper long abstract:

Although a common characteristic of city dwellers all over the world is the incoherent interpersonal ties leading to individualization and the eventual breakdown of the family, lineage and clan ties, Ugandans living in cities, municipalities and towns have kept their ethnic solidarity to the detriment of national unity, peace and tranquility. Ethnic or 'tribal' associations, activities and sentiments are common in Kampala, Mbarara, Soroti, Gulu and other urban centers of Uganda. Little is known about why people who have left their ethnic groupings in rural Uganda and emigrated to live in the cities have failed to adapt to the modern city lifestyles but instead fall back to the ethnic cushion in terms of their choices for drinks, food, residential quarters, recreation and social organizations. The current research delves into the rise and metamorphosis of ethnic identities and groupings in Kampala City, Uganda's capital. It relies on data from key informants' interviews, document analysis and observations made during transect walks in residential quarters, recreational facilities and market places. The research concludes that the urban population of Ugandans living in Kampala is highly ethnic or 'tribal' in conduct and this has been a source of disunity, conflict and underdevelopment.