The Karamoja cultural leader, His Highness Papa Lochoro Mateo, has stated that the Karachunas (warriors) have now renounced the practice of cattle raiding.
He explained that this spirit of violence and raiding was often fueled by drinking raw animal blood. “After performing local rituals, we would drink the blood of animals, particularly after sitting in the kraal Parliament and examining the internal organs of cows. This would give us the courage to raid neighboring tribes for animals,” he said.
The statement was made by the Jie King, Papa Lochoro Mateo Lochan, who had paid a courtesy call on the Umukuka III of the Bamasaba people at the Inzuya Masaba palace in Mbale City. The Jie tribe is a recognized group in Uganda, based in the Karamoja region, alongside other tribes like the Dodoth and Tepeth.
The Karamoja King was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, which included Rt. Hon. Gabriel Igor, Chairman of the Kotido Cultural Committee, and Rt. Hon. Akore, Prime Minister of the Jie Kingdom.
The Jie King expressed gratitude to the Umukuka III for the support extended to the Karamoja community in Mbale City. He emphasized that they had renounced war and no longer engage in cattle raiding or blood-drinking rituals.
The Jie King also requested that the Umukuka III reciprocate the visit by coming to the Jie cultural institution, a request that was welcomed by the Umukuka III.
The spokesperson for the Inzuya Masaba, Steven Masiga, reported that the Karamoja King preached peace and expressed that the community was tired of war and cattle raiding. Mr. Masiga also shared that the Jie King presented a set of requests to the Bamasaba cultural leader, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma.
Among the requests was assistance for needy Karamoja girls and boys to access bursaries and sponsorship in Masabaland.
The Jie King also mentioned that he had forgiven the Bamasaba for any past wrongs involving iron sheets, and he requested forgiveness for any previous disturbances caused by his people.
Bishop Kyaro of the Deliverance Church led the delegation.
