Over 1000 Karimojong demand sh120b from govt

By Andante Okanya  

A group of 1000 Karimojong is demanding that Government pays them sh120b compensation claiming loss of property during raids by the Turkana of Kenya, after the subsequent 2001 disarmament by the army.

The aggrieved are from the districts of Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Nakapiripirit, Amudat and Napak. On August 31, the High Court in Kampala accepted a request by two of their colleagues Paul Otyang Lokitikori and Achuka Lokothil, to file a representative suit against the Government's chief legal advisor the Attorney General.

The court's civil division registrar accepted the request after their lawyers Bashasha and Company Advocates, made submissions, explaining the plight of the complainants.

"Based on the submissions of counsel and the supportive affidavit of Otyang, the application is granted since it would be convenient a representative action were many intended plaintiffs have a similar interest," Keiterima stated.

According to court documents, Government in 2001 through the UPDF embarked on the disarmament. Additionally, guidelines to the exercise were issued, and the army was tasked to guarantee security to the residents and their property to avoid any collateral damage.

They purport that on commencement of the exercise, livestock was stolen during raids, and various household properties destroyed. The complainants allege that upon recovery, the army declined to return the livestock.

"The intended plaintiffs aver that the officers and men of the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces, dismally failed to discharge their duty to protect and preserve the intending's livestock and properties," they contend.

They further assert that the army bombed some areas, which led to the loss of livestock and some other household property. The claim to have been denied full usage of the land, after the army purportedly set up military installations and property on the land.

Official estimates from Government show that over 10,000 firearms were voluntarily handed over during the 2001-2002 exercise. But estimates indicate that over 30,000 still remain in the hands of the Karimojong warriors who justify the possession, saying they have to repel the raiders who attack while heavily armed.

Court records also show that prior in a letter dated June 6, 2012, the complainants in their intention to sue, gave Government 45 days to explore the option of an amicable settlement.