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Violent Conflicts and Education: The LRA Insurgency in Northern Uganda Revisited

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  • Kazibwe, Douglas

Abstract

I investigate the impact of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency on educational outcomes in Northern Uganda, using a Difference–in–Differences (DiD) model that leverages variations in conflict intensity across birth cohorts and geographic locations. The results show that individuals exposed to the conflict experience declines in completed years of schooling, primary school completion, and literacy, with varying effects by gender and place of residence. The study also explores supply and demand mechanisms, finding that reduced school construction and repairs, overcrowding, and increased studen–teacher ratios due to displacement exacerbate these educational setbacks. These mechanisms are crucial for understanding war’s broader impact on households, communities, and social services.

Suggested Citation

  • Kazibwe, Douglas, 2025. "Violent Conflicts and Education: The LRA Insurgency in Northern Uganda Revisited," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:186:y:2025:i:c:s0305750x24002924
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106822
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Lord’s Resistance Army; Conflict; Education; Uganda;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • N47 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Africa; Oceania
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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