By Hillary Kitel.
A two-day peace meeting between leaders from Turkana West and Karamoja leaders was held at the Ato Rites Resort in Kakuma town from May 18th and May 19th 2023. The meeting brought together representatives from Uganda’s Karamoja region and Turkana West Constituency and was facilitated by Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiatives (DLCI) in partnership with International Alert (IA).
Leaders from Turkana West constituency together with the delegation from Uganda’s Karamoja region
The event was hosted by Hon. Daniel Epuyo Nanok, MP Turkana West and doubles up as the Vice Chair of the Pastoralist Parliament Group (PPG). The meeting saw the attendance of senior politicians from Uganda’s Karamoja region, including elected and nominated leaders from Kotido, Kaabong, and Karenga districts, as well as all political leaders from the Turkana West constituency.
Turkana West Constituency MP & PPG Vice Chair Hon. Daniel Nanok Epuyo addressing Kraal Elders in the Meeting
The Ugandan delegation comprised 26 people’s representatives, including Members of Parliament, District Chairpersons, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Councilors, Women Peace Forum, LC3s, and Kraal elders led by Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, Women Member of Parliament (WMP) for Karenga District and State Minister of Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President.
Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, Women Member of Parliament (WMP) for Karenga District and State Minister of Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President, Uganda.
The Turkana West delegation led by Hon. Daniel Epuyo Nanok saw Hon. John Munyes, former area MP and Senator of Turkana County, and former Cabinet Secretary of Petroleum and Mining, along with ten Members of Turkana County Assembly including the Deputy Speaker attend the high profile meeting.
Hon. John Munyes, former area MP and Senator of Turkana County, and former Cabinet Secretary of Petroleum and Mining
During the meeting, a situational analysis revealed that over the past ten years, there has been relative cross-border peace and harmony. The attendees acknowledged the role played by Kenyan NGOs, particularly Lotus Kenya Action Development Organization (LOKADO), in facilitating cross-border peace-building efforts. However, there was concern expressed about the cessation of previous successful inter-community border peace meetings and leadership engagement. It was emphasized that the Turkana and Karamojong communities are one people, known as Ateker, sharing a common language and culture. Both communities celebrate their cultural festivals across the border at different times.
Delegates following along Lotus Kenya Action Development Organization (LOKADO) CEO’s Augustine Kai Presentation .
The ongoing violence and conflicts among the Ateker families were deemed unjustifiable. A significant difference was noted in the governance systems between Kenya and Uganda. The participants expressed that the Ugandan government has successfully eliminated illegal firearms from civilian possession through comprehensive disarmament in the Karamoja region. However, in Kenya, there is a proliferation of unregulated illegal firearms among civilians. The meeting highlighted that no community in Uganda is collectively armed, while there are reports of widespread cattle rustling and the presence of armed Turkana people in Kenya. This situation has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of communities in Uganda, particularly during the dry season when Turkana pastoralists cross the border with large numbers of livestock in search of water and pasture. Disturbingly, there has been an increase in raiding of unarmed villages, livestock theft, killings, sexual violence, property destruction, and displacement of people in the border areas between March and May 2023.
Ugandan Kraal Elder passionately expressing his disgust in the recent attacks.
The existing border agreements between communities have broken down, leading to heightened tensions and insecurity. Innocent boda-boda riders near the border have also become targets of attacks. The Uganda delegation presented data on livestock losses, (Karenga District, 1393 cows, 3,750 goats and 1,213 sheep. In Kaabong District, 2,081 cows, 4,096 sheep & goats and 203 donkeys. In Kotido District 2,500 cows) Illustrating the urgent need for Kenya to address the issue of stolen livestock from Ugandan communities.
The meeting proposed several solutions to address the challenges at hand. These included adopting an all-inclusive approach to sustaining peace between the Turkana and Karamojong people, enhancing communication between security agencies and political leaders across the border, and conducting regular cross-border meetings involving leaders, security agents, and communities.
Turkana Kraal Elders listening on.
It was emphasized that women and youth must be actively involved in peace-building efforts. Additionally, there was a call for robust border protocols to regulate the movement of animals and individuals across the border, with collaboration between the governments of Kenya and Uganda to acquire appropriate technologies for monitoring such movements.
Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative ( DLCI) CEO Mr. Jarso Mokku facilitating the proceedings.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on promoting mutual respect for state laws between the two countries. It was highlighted that no civilian should be allowed into Uganda with illegal firearms, and advocacy efforts were urged for the Kenyan government to remove all illegal firearms from the hands of civilians. The discussions held during this meeting served as an essential platform for addressing critical issues affecting the Turkana and Karamojong communities, aiming to restore peace, security, and cooperation among the Ateker people.
