Karamoja needs wholesome approach
Nov 02, 2006
AT least 27 people have died following a firefight between a detachment of the army and Karimojong warriors early this week.
AT least 27 people have died following a firefight between a detachment of the army and Karimojong warriors early this week.
The commanding officer of the UPDF’s 67th Battalion was leading a cordon-and-search operation just outside Kotido town when he and 16 of his men were shot dead. Eleven Karimojong gunmen were also killed in the firefight.
The incident was part of a renewed focus on pacifying the sub-region in the wake of numerous attacks on civilian vehicles.
The army has made many honest efforts to disarm the Karimojong, with mixed results. How much more should be done, and how?
It is important that the Karamoja gun problem be seen in its wider context. Cows are a central part of Karimojong socio-cultural-economic life, and traditionally cattle have been accessed in varied ways, violent or legitimate. The semi-arid climate conditions have also engendered a nomadic life, which causes tension over territory. This culture is not exclusive to the Karimojong, let alone to our national borders. There are similar cultures among the Turkana and Pokot in Kenya, and other communities in south-eastern Sudan and even parts of south-western Ethiopia. In all these places, modern firearms, especially the AK-47 rifle, have replaced the spear, bow and arrow as the weapon of choice.
Solutions have to address all these factors. There is already cooperation with Kenya in the disarmament process as the Kenyan armed forces also tackle their side of the border. But disarmament also needs to be accompanied by sensitisation, of which local community leaders must be at the forefront. Politically, can the various clans of Karamoja – Bokora, Jie, Matheniko – be restricted to their own territory? Nomadic life and the semi-arid conditions can be countered by placing valley dams in strategic positions to satisfy the different communities.
There are many intricacies, so only a well-rounded approach will adequately address the Karamoja question.
Ends
The commanding officer of the UPDF’s 67th Battalion was leading a cordon-and-search operation just outside Kotido town when he and 16 of his men were shot dead. Eleven Karimojong gunmen were also killed in the firefight.
The incident was part of a renewed focus on pacifying the sub-region in the wake of numerous attacks on civilian vehicles.
The army has made many honest efforts to disarm the Karimojong, with mixed results. How much more should be done, and how?
It is important that the Karamoja gun problem be seen in its wider context. Cows are a central part of Karimojong socio-cultural-economic life, and traditionally cattle have been accessed in varied ways, violent or legitimate. The semi-arid climate conditions have also engendered a nomadic life, which causes tension over territory. This culture is not exclusive to the Karimojong, let alone to our national borders. There are similar cultures among the Turkana and Pokot in Kenya, and other communities in south-eastern Sudan and even parts of south-western Ethiopia. In all these places, modern firearms, especially the AK-47 rifle, have replaced the spear, bow and arrow as the weapon of choice.
Solutions have to address all these factors. There is already cooperation with Kenya in the disarmament process as the Kenyan armed forces also tackle their side of the border. But disarmament also needs to be accompanied by sensitisation, of which local community leaders must be at the forefront. Politically, can the various clans of Karamoja – Bokora, Jie, Matheniko – be restricted to their own territory? Nomadic life and the semi-arid conditions can be countered by placing valley dams in strategic positions to satisfy the different communities.
There are many intricacies, so only a well-rounded approach will adequately address the Karamoja question.
Ends