Agago security committee reviews cattle access to Lungor Dam
Beatrice Akello Akori, the Minister for Northern Uganda and Agago District Woman Member of Parliament, called for dialogue between the leadership of the Kotido cattle keepers and Acholi elders
Komol appealed to the authorities in Agago to consider allowing the cattle to access Lungor Dam, saying the situation had become increasingly difficult for livestock owners. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
AGAGO - Security authorities in Agago District are discussing measures to enable cattle keepers from Kotido District to access Lungor Dam for water amid a prolonged dry spell that has left livestock in parts of Karamoja.
The decision follows a recent meeting in Paimol Sub-county between leaders of cattle keepers from Kotido, Agago District authorities, and security officials.
The cattle keepers appealed to the Agago authorities and the leadership of the UPDF 5th Infantry Division to allow their animals to access water at Lungor Dam in Kacheri Sub-county, Kotido District.
At a recent meeting, security officials in Agago have raised concerns that allowing cattle keepers to access the dam could create an opportunity for armed cattle raiders to enter Acholi communities.
Kidega appealed to UPDF to establish the required security measures that would prevent cattle rustlers from using livestock movements to access Acholi.
Paul Komol, the Kotido District LCV chairperson, appealed to the authorities in Agago to consider allowing the cattle to access Lungor Dam, saying the situation had become increasingly difficult for livestock owners.
He said the prolonged dry spell had caused severe water and pasture shortages in Karamoja, forcing cattle keepers to move long distances in search of water for their animals.
According to Komol, some cattle keepers were currently taking their livestock to areas including Napak, Kaabong, Kapelibyong, and Abim to access water.
He said tensions between communities in Acholi and Karamoja remained high following recent attacks. He cited a case where cattle raiders reportedly killed a man from Omiya Pachua in July, further undermining relations between the communities.
He said residents remained concerned about the possibility of renewed attacks if security measures were not put in place before the cattle were allowed to access the water source.
Beatrice Akello Akori, the Minister for Northern Uganda and Agago District Woman Member of Parliament, called for dialogue between the leadership of the Kotido cattle keepers and Acholi elders
Akori said negotiations could help address the longstanding concerns between the two communities and create a basis for peaceful access to water while addressing security concerns.
The proposed access to Lungor Dam comes at a time when the dry spell is putting increasing pressure on livestock keepers in Karamoja, with cattle being moved to distant areas in search of water and pasture.
As of Tuesday, September 22, 2026, cattle from Kotido had not yet started accessing the water source at Lungor Dam.