Leaders from the Ateker communities in Karamoja, Uganda, and Turkana, Kenya, are pushing for peaceful coexistence and unity within the Ateker cluster, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address regional challenges. This call for harmony comes as security forces implement President Museveni’s executive order to address tensions between the Turkana pastoralists and Karamoja sub-region communities.
In a follow-up meeting held on January 4, 2024, in Moroto district, leaders from the Turkana side in Kenya appealed to the Ugandan government to reconsider the ban on Turkana pastoralists grazing in Karamoja. Jeremiah Lorukai, the Turkana County Governor, expressed concern about the impact of the ban on Turkana pastoralists who relied on Ugandan resources during a prolonged dry spell in Turkana County.
Lorukai urged the Ugandan government to allow the two communities to peacefully coexist and share resources for mutual social and economic transformation. He also emphasized the importance of investigating and apprehending those responsible for the killing of geologists, appealing for time to address the security concerns.
Christopher Nakuleu, the Turkana County Assembly Speaker, called for the release of Turkana pastoralists detained in Ugandan prisons and proposed fostering togetherness between the communities. Nakuleu emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence while respecting the rules and laws of each country.
Peter Lokeris, the chairperson of the Ateker Development Conference and State Minister for Minerals, highlighted the goal of stopping cattle rustling that has contributed to disunity among the Ateker group. Lokeris emphasized the importance of identifying root causes of conflicts and creating a peaceful environment for free movement across Ateker communities in different countries.
While acknowledging the challenges, Lokeris urged Turkana leaders to discourage their people from entering Karamoja with illegal firearms. The leaders are determined to engage in peace-building processes, economic growth, and resource-sharing initiatives to strengthen the Ateker community living in diversity.
