Research indicates that land conflicts are a major issue in Uganda, affecting around 33-50% of landholders. With these conflicts, the social stability and economic development of the country can be threatened, as agriculture accounts for a large portion of the country's labor force and GDP. Over 90% of domestic disputes in Uganda are related to land conflicts.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on May 31, 1938, to a railway signalman and a domestic helper, Prescott left school at the age of 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.