Leaders from Uganda’s Karamoja Sub-region and Kenya’s Turkana County have renewed their call for peace and cross-border cooperation, urging pastoral communities to prioritise stability, development, and shared prosperity.
The call was made during a high-level community peace dialogue held at Ik Seed Secondary School in Kamion Sub-County, Kaabong District.
The event brought together members of the Karamojong, Ik, and Turkana communities, alongside government officials, security personnel, and civil society representatives. It also spotlighted initiatives enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development.
Hon Hillary Lokwang, Member of Parliament for Ik County, encouraged residents to “embrace peace and make use of available programs and infrastructure” to strengthen regional integration. He pointed to improvements such as expanded road networks, cattle border markets, and new telecommunications masts as key drivers of cross-border trade and mobility.
Kaabong Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Fidelis Logwe, urged communities to reject cattle rustling and adhere to the rule of law. He warned local leaders against seeking the early release of criminal suspects for political advantage. “We must stop defending wrongdoers for sympathy. Let us work together to build a lawful and peaceful society,” he said while praising President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s continued investment in Karamoja’s transformation.
Col Allan Kyangungu, Deputy Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, reported a sharp decline in armed criminal activity due to recent disarmament efforts. He called for a shift in community mindset, stating: “With the existing conducive environment, we remain committed to eliminating isolated criminal elements in the region.” He also urged local leaders to support agribusiness, including coffee production, as a viable livelihood.
Senior Superintendent of Police Oese John Faustine, Deputy Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), stressed the need for community collaboration in identifying wrongdoers. He confirmed the ongoing use of both voluntary and forceful disarmament strategies to ensure lasting peace.
Mercy Corps
Country Director Mr David Gatare underscored the role of development partners in bolstering government initiatives, highlighting infrastructure projects such as the repair of Kamion Road in Kaabong, the rehabilitation of Kosiroi Health Centre in Moroto, and the development of Lokiriama Health Centre in Turkana.
Representing the Kenyan delegation, Assistant County Commissioner Mr Kelvin Kariuki Mwangi praised Uganda for its cooperation in resource access and intelligence sharing. He proposed the creation of a joint advisory council to address challenges affecting vulnerable groups across the border, including children, women, and elders.
The dialogue was attended by Edward Mwiti, Assistant County Commissioner for Lokichoggio, as well as officials from both Kaabong District and Turkana County, security agencies, civil society representatives, and hundreds of community members.
