Turkana, Uganda: The current persistent drought in the Karamoja region has sparked concerns among pastoralists in the area.
Located in northeastern Uganda, Karamoja has endured relentless sunshine over the last four months, leading to the drying up of numerous water sources and grazing lands for the pastoralists’ animals.
During our visit to some of the few remaining grazing areas in Moroto, Napak, Amudat, and Turkana bordering Uganda, it was observed that the water levels in several boreholes in the region have significantly decreased. In some cases, boreholes have completely dried up, compelling people to share dirty water with their livestock.
Mr. John Bosco Apaloris, a pastoralist in Nakapelimoru Sub County in Kotido district, expressed concern about the current drought, emphasizing the potential risks to the animals’ health. He described the situation as unfortunate, noting that animals that were once healthy and well-fed are now becoming emaciated due to insufficient grass and water.
According to Apaloris, most of the rivers that used to be water sources for the animals have also dried up. People have now resorted to grazing and watering their animals in Kobebe dam, which he fears may also dry up due to the overpopulation of livestock.
“Our cattle were very healthy when there was pasture and water, but since the drought started, the health of our livestock is threatened due to the lack of enough water and pasture,” he explained.
John Dengel, another pastoralist in Moroto, appealed to the government to invest in constructing proper valley dams that can retain a high level of water even during drought.
“We thank the government for constructing some valley dams, but most of these dams are shallow and dry up very quickly because they don’t retain much water throughout the entire drought season,” he noted.
Mr. Paul Losia, a pastoralist in Amudat district, mentioned that the sand river, where they used to fetch water for their animals, was also drying up. He appealed to the government for assistance.
Mr. Francis Kiyonga, the former district LCV Chairperson of Amudat district, expressed concerns that the current drought might lead to conflicts among pastoralists from neighboring districts.
“As leaders, we are not really sure how to save the livestock because the pastoralists of Amudat, Nakapiripirit, and part of Napak always cross with their livestock to the wetland areas of Lokilotor and Bunamutye in the border between Kween and Bunamutye districts. However, all these wet areas have been converted into a Chinese investor’s rice scheme,” he said.
Mr. Paul Lokol, the district LCV chairperson of Nabilatuk district, stated that the current drought is worse compared to the droughts that Karamoja has ever experienced.
