Data Integrity through Triangulation: Leveraging the Archival Method: A Case Study of Mubende District, Uganda

Abstract

This paper underscores the pivotal role of triangulation in ensuring data integrity in land conflict research. By integrating multiple data sources, including archival research, the paper successfully resolves discrepancies in land ownership and tenure data in Uganda’s Mubende district. The findings accentuate the value of triangulating methods in enhancing confidence in research findings and mitigating biases. The research demonstrates the salience of the archival method in interdisciplinary studies, particularly when investigating contemporary land conflicts with historical antecedents linked to colonial land allotments. Archival records, such as Lukiko Minutes and Colonial Official Gazettes, furnished crucial evidence that contradicted oral narratives and resolved discrepancies in land ownership claims. Through the employment of triangulation, researchers can validate historical land occupations and ownership, contributing to a more informed approach to conflict resolution. This paper contributes to the discourses on archives and memory, emphasising the significance of archival research in yielding nuanced results. The findings have profound implications for research methodology, highlighting the limitations of relying on single data collection methods, such as interviews or focus group discussions. Mixed methods are efficacious in addressing the complexities and nuances of land conflicts, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. By leveraging multiple data sources and methods, researchers can enhance the validity and reliability of their findings, contributing to more effective conflict resolution strategies. This paper highlights the importance of triangulation and archival research in land conflict studies, offering a valuable approach for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and address land-related conflicts.