We should tap into skills of Karimojong

Douglas Opio, Researcher

The recent wave of tourism promotion across the country got me thinking about cultural tourism based on the unique skills of our tribal communities. We have heard statements like "we can not wait for Karamoja to develop".

Many times, we have focused on the so-called modern trade to the detriment of the traditional one. We have ignored the trades that have been practised for generations, yet these are the ones that have helped to sustain our people.

The Karimojong have mastered many skills to sustain their livelihoods. We have attempted, without much success, to force the Karimojong to abandon their way of life in order to adopt what we consider to be the modern one without any due consideration to their way of life.

Education means equipping an individual with knowledge, skills, and values so as to be useful members of their societies. We should focus on making the Karimojong better suited to their environment by equipping them with skills that allow them to utilise their local knowledge.

They have been able to accumulate knowledge over a long period of time. The beautiful skills that lie within our cultures are amazing.

The skills that we are often looking for were handed over to us by our forefathers, we have been lazy keepers of this long time knowledge and skills, we need to start working towards improving indigenous technologies.

Skills of the Karimojong Teacher, artist, guide, writer, veterinarian, storyteller, doctor, tailor/sewer, cook, wool processor, leather developer, constructor, hunter, herder, planter, carpenter, carrier, astrologist, nature protector, retailer, wholesaler, jewelry maker, iron smelter, leader, farmer, and many others.

Innovation is simply applying new knowledge to what is already known. It is more useful to provide an education that is relevant to the lives of the people.

The Karimojong have for a long time been persuaded to abandon their culture in favour of what is considered more superior and, therefore, much better, but this has been to no avail.

We could learn from some countries that have already recognised pastoralists — Mongolia, Tanzania (Makonde) and Kenya (Masai). The Makonde of Tanzania have an internationally recognised art. Competence-based training should now be made to incorporate the traditional skills that have existed with us for generations.

Mastercraftsmen should be integrated into the learning process so that people benefit from their knowledge and skills.

The learning time can also be made flexible in order to accommodate their way of life, including their nomadic approach to life.

The writer is the head of policy and research at the Federation of Uganda Employers.