Katakwi, a neighboring district to the Karamoja region prone to attacks from Karamojong cattle warriors, has achieved a remarkable record of four consecutive months without any attack.
The warriors, who typically target livestock during raids, have long been a source of terror for neighboring districts, although the government is making concerted efforts to eliminate the vice of cattle rustling.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi district, who also serves as the Vice President of Uganda, Maj. (Retired) Alupo Jessica Rose Epel, revealed that her district has experienced the longest period of peace in its history.
“For the last four months, Katakwi has been peaceful, with no reported cattle thefts. I want to thank the UPDF and other sister security organs for pacifying the region,” said Alupo.
She made these remarks on Sunday, November 12, 2023, during the opening of St. Peter’s Claver Catholic Parish in Ongongoja, making it the seventh parish in the district.
Cattle rustling has been persistent, with tensions often arising due to competition over pasture and water, along with traditional practices of raiding cattle from rival communities.
“I am pleased that the Karachunas have also started using their bare hands to make bricks. These youth used to spend the whole day idling and causing trouble, but with government initiatives to create wealth and the support of the UPDF, peace will prevail forever in Teso,” said Alupo.
She commended the security organs, commanders, and their troops for combating cattle rustling and thefts in the Karamoja and Teso sub-regions.
The Vice President took the opportunity to assure locals that no Karimojong rustler will disturb Teso sub-region.
“We want this miracle of peace to be permanent in Katakwi,” said Alupo.
She appealed for unity between the Iteso and Karimojong people, emphasizing that development thrives when all communities collaborate.
Pastoralist groups in the Karamoja region have been engaged for centuries in cycles of joint livestock raiding, involving inter-communal armed violence.
This tendency has been further aggravated by frequent droughts and floods, fueling competition for livestock, pastures, and access to water.
The pattern of conflict is similar across Karamoja, with the Bokora, Dodoth, Jie, Matheniko, and Pian sub-clans quickly switching between weak alliances and outright war.
The situation is exacerbated by the Pokot and Turkana from Kenya, who enter the region whenever drought afflicts the Kenyan side of the border.
The Teso districts bordering Karamoja have continuously faced the challenges of dealing with Karimojong incursions.
