Is Chinese Infrastructural Development in Uganda a Catalyst for Security and Peace? A Comparative Study

The study investigated the comparative impact of Chinese infrastructure development on security and peace in areas where the infrastructure exists. Two Chinese Infrastructure projects were compared—the rural-based Isimba Hydropower dam and urban-based Entebbe Express Highway in Uganda. The projects were funded and constructed by Chinese firms. While Chinese have made enormous infrastructural investments in Africa, their contribution to peace and security is sparsely documented. Most studies examined the impact of infrastructure on general development outcomes. There are concerns that Chinese engagements are based on the premise of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, yet immense economic assistance may have other non-economic repercussions. The study investigated the following research questions: what is the comparative effect of Chinese infrastructural developments on security and peace within the neighborhoods of the projects in Uganda? What is the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) policies and strategies in Uganda? The study used mixed methods for data collection. Data was collected from 4 focus group discussions, 120 survey questionnaires, and 20 interviews with residents of infrastructure neighborhoods. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that gainful employment, social services and utilities, guarded infrastructure, skills transfer, and safety installations monitoring as a result of infrastructure construction improved peace and security at both study sites. However, infrastructural development relocations destroyed means of survival to some extent and limited peace and security. Comparatively, the rural-based Isimba dam neighborhood benefited more than the urban Entebbe Express highway in terms of peace and security. Further, the BRI has demonstrated the need for quality infrastructure to spur local and regional development. The BRI has also conversely led to conflict regarding debt sustainability and local capacity generation for construction firms. The study recommends Chinese continuous funding and construction of infrastructure but provides language interpretation services for better work relations. The immediate neighborhoods should be prioritized to benefit from the project. Additionally, the partnership between Ugandan and Chinse firms in implementing infrastructural development will strengthen local capacity.