June 17, 2024 – The Karamoja Sub-Region, which remains today one of the poorest and most marginalized areas of Uganda, continues to grapple with cattle conflicts, particularly in the southern part of the region, leading to loss of life and sporadic attacks by the Turkana of Kenya in Northern Karamoja. To effectively resolve these conflicts, it is essential for leaders to engage in continuous dialogue at community and regional levels, as well as across borders with neighboring communities in Kenya and South Sudan.
WPDI Community Dialogues, therefore, are crucial in the region as they provide a platform for open communication, trust-building, and collaborative problem-solving among conflicting parties. These dialogues enable community members, leaders, and neighboring regions to address the root causes of conflict, share grievances, and develop mutually beneficial solutions. By fostering understanding and cooperation, community dialogues help to de-escalate tensions, reduce violence, and create a sustainable path toward peace and stability in the region.
As part of this effort, WPDI has already run a series of such dialogue meetings this year. In early March, for instance, a dialogue was held between Napak and Apeitolim District at Apeitolim Sub-county, during which community members agreed to address in earnest the issue of cattle conflicts, including by denouncing and reporting individuals who promote this highly disruptive practice. The district chairperson requested additional security deployment, particularly soldiers (UPDF) to support the police (UPF) at Nayonia Angikalio. Community members also committed to assisting security providers in tracking and following up on stolen cattle, taking advantage of their familiarity with the terrain.
At the intra-dialogue on 9th March in Lokitedeed Matany Sub-county, Napak District, village leaders, also known as LC1s, namely elected officials for the lowest level of Local Councils (LC), were urged to continue engaging their communities in view of peaceful coexistence through regular village meetings to maintain relative peace. It was emphasized that LC1s should ensure proper communication channels are followed, avoiding bypassing sub-county or district levels. Community members were encouraged to use the voluntary disarmament window to return illegal arms and benefit from government programs. Additionally, communities will collaborate with local authorities to foster cooperation and peace by following up on government projects.
During the dialogue on 23rd March at Nakapiripirit Town Council, community members committed to reporting any security incidents promptly for timely response from security providers. The district chairperson pledged to consult with his counterpart in Amudat to organize monthly security meetings with various LC1s to foster peace and curb rural-urban migration affecting Napak district. Local leaders will organize intra-community dialogues to enhance understanding of the current situation before embarking on inter-community dialogues.
These dialogues highlight the power of communication at the grassroots and the commitment of local leaders and communities to work together towards lasting peace and stability in Karamoja. By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, and addressing security concerns collaboratively, the region can move towards resolving conflicts and building a peaceful future.
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