This research examines the contributions of diplomatic approaches such as negotiations in resolving conflicts among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative in using water resources of River Nile with specific reference to Uganada in the period 2011-2023. There have been several efforts of negotiations to restore the peace in using and sharing water resources of River Nile among member states such as Egypt, South Sudan, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2010. However, the violence has continued to date. Hence this research set to identify the diplomatic approaches by the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in resolving conflicts in using water resources of River Nile involving Uganda and the rest of member states; to find out the actors and issues to the conflict in using water resources; to examine the limitations of diplomatic approaches to conflict resolution; and to assess ways through which the peace can be enhanced in using water resources among member states. The study used a cross-sectional design and both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were used. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. The study used a sample of (253) respondents, selected using Slovin’s (1967) formula for determining sample size. Questionnaires, and interviews, were the major tools for primary data collection. Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency tables and percentages.The study noted that Theoretically, Idealism postulates that negotiations instruments of resolving intra and inter-state conflicts among member states. This line of reasoning renders the continuity of violence over river Nile invisible among member states. Never the less, the research identified the specific parties and issues to the conflict in using water resources of River Nile in the period 2011-2023. The research particularly found out that the instrument of negotiations alone had failed to restore equitable utilization of water resources among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative. In conclusion, Idealism theory postulates that negotiations are significant instruments of resolving intra and inter-state conflicts. This line of reasoning renders the continuity of violence in the region; however, there are reports which provide historical and legal evidence which show that conflicts relating to the use and sharing water resources of River Nile continue regardless of the various negotiations to resolve them. The research recommended that the Nile Basin Initiative should be supported to eradicate historical policies, which had been much controlled by Egypt. To support the policy that no country should tamper with its minimal water quota keeping the country alive. The Nile Basin Initiative should enhance diplomatic approaches to support collective negotiation on peaceful use of water resources.

A Dissertation Submitted to the School of Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts Degree in Diplomacy and Global Studies of Nkumba University