Leaders from the Ateker communities in Karamoja, Uganda, and Turkana, Kenya, are jointly advocating for peaceful coexistence and unity within the Ateker cluster. The leaders are emphasizing the importance of fostering harmony and collaboration among the Ateker communities, comprising Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.
This call for unity comes in the midst of the implementation of President Museveni’s executive order to remove Turkana pastoralists from the Karamoja sub-region, a move undertaken by security forces. The Ateker leaders had recently gathered for the Ateker Development Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where they sought transformative ideas and programs to uplift the Ateker cluster across the four countries.
In a follow-up meeting held in Moroto district, leaders from the Turkana side in Kenya expressed their concerns about the executive order, urging the Ugandan government to allow peaceful coexistence between the Turkana and Karamojong communities. Jeremiah Lorukai, the Turkana County Governor, appealed for understanding and cooperation, emphasizing the need for sharing resources to promote social and economic transformation.
The leaders acknowledged the impact of the ban on Turkana pastoralists who relied on resources in Uganda due to prolonged dry spells in Turkana County. They sought cooperation and guidance to resolve the conflict, expressing readiness to compensate for the loss of lives and seeking ways to foster togetherness between the two communities.
Christopher Nakuleu, the Turkana County Assembly Speaker, called for the release of Turkana pastoralists detained in Ugandan prisons for illegal possession of firearms, viewing it as a step towards promoting peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the importance of observing rules and laws while sensitizing communities on the modalities of movement.
Peter Lokeris, the chairperson of the Ateker Development Conference and State Minister for Minerals, emphasized the need to address cattle rustling, a factor contributing to disunity among the Ateker group. Lokeris highlighted the importance of identifying root causes of conflicts, fostering continuous engagement for resource sharing, and creating a peaceful environment for free movement within the Ateker communities.
While acknowledging the challenges, the leaders aim to build a strong relationship within the Ateker group and work towards lasting solutions for peaceful coexistence, economic growth, and unity among diverse communities.
