By Richard Onapatum
Lokichogio, Kenya- Peace among the Ateker people, who reside along the borders of Uganda and Kenya, has been strengthened with a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing cross-border conflict, climate equity, and sustainable resource use.
The Turkana people of Kenya and the Karamojong of Uganda share a long history, but for years, conflicts over resources have strained their relationship. Now, things are changing With support from the Climate Change Leaders Advancing for Peace (CCLAP) program, community leaders are taking big steps toward peace and unity.
On 11th December 2024, Mercy Corps’ implementing partner in Kotido district, Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), hosted the first-ever Multi stakeholder Dialogue in Lokichogio, Turkana County. The forum gave local and national leaders, as well as community members from both Karamoja and Turkana, a chance to sit together, talk openly, and come up with practical ways to share resources and live peacefully.
Among the notable attendees were , Resident District Commissioner of Kotido District Charles Ichogor, Isaac Ooko Anyumba, the Deputy County Commissioner of Lokichogio Sub-county; Members of Parliament, Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams Kotido, Hon. Lokwang Hillary, MP IK county, Kaabong district, Executive Director Narwoa Jessica Ruth Ataa and for Jie communities; Rebecca Ajikon, Women Chairperson of Lokichogio Sub-county, Acting Subcounty Adminstrator for Lokichigio, Alfred Longole, Deputy County Commissioner Lokichogio Isiaha Owoko and Conceptor Lokamuya, woman representative Turkana west.
In his opening speech, the Deputy County Commissioner for Lokichogio Isiaha Owoko, welcomed all the stakeholders who had travelled all the way from Uganda’s Kotido and Kaabong districts. He reminded everyone of the strong cultural and historical ties between the Turkana and Karamojong.
“The ateker community come from one lineage and yet we fight, where have we gone wrong. In school I was taught that politics and religion are the same and they all promote peace. The peace actors should know that for them to promote peace there should be leaders involved,” said Deputy County Commissioner, Lokichogio, Turkana.
The highlight of the forum was an open discussion where community leaders shared their struggles. Many conflicts in the region stem from effects of climate change like prolonged droughts which disrupt livelihoods and create hostility, and disputes over grazing land and water.
To address these challenges, leaders proposed several solutions, including educating young people to help them understand the value of peace, organizing more peace meetings between tribes, and encouraging communities to work together to reduce tensions over boundaries.
Another critical solution that was raised, despite the existing funding gaps, was the need for development of infrastructure e.g. road networks and improved access to water along the border lines.
The leaders also urged the government of Uganda and Kenya to conduct disarmament processes and to eradicate illicit alcohol in the ateker kraals. The facilitation of reformed warriors to engage in alternative sources of income was also highly emphasized.
“Now that they have surrendered their weapons, it’s time to focus on development and empower them with new opportunities for alternative livelihoods,” the Resident District Commissioner for Kotido district Charles Ichogor emphasized.
The open discussions were finalized with an agreement between the stakeholders and the implementing partners to prioritize and implement four key initiatives aimed at fostering peace and promoting climate equity among the Turkana and Karamojong communities along the Uganda-Kenya border.
These initiatives include the formation of a cross-border conflict early warning and response forum for Turkana and Karamoja, promoting alternative livelihoods to enhance peaceful coexistence, strengthening advocacy efforts for climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience (developing resource sharing agreements), and encouraging both governments to take the lead in commemorating peace accords.
As a symbolic gesture, the elders of the two communities (Turkana and Karamoja) spearheaded a traditional ritual. They speared a cow, broke a bone together, and drunk from the same calabash as a symbol of committment to peace.
Leaders from both Turkana and Karamoja communities shared the meat as a testament to their shared heritage and renewed commitment to coexistence.
Participants also composed and performed songs on Peace and unity
The Bull spearing and Bone broken a symbolic gesture of peace.
The Role of Women in Peace throughout the event, speakers emphasized the vital role women play in building and sustaining peace. Rebecca Ajikon, Women Chairperson of Lokichogio Sub-county, delivered a powerful message:”Why can’t peace begin with us, the women? We are the ones raising the children. If we, the women of Turkana, Toposa, Jie and Dodoth come together, we can achieve what men alone cannot.
“We don’t get involved in conflict, so we are the ones who can truly bring peace said Ajikon.
The Executive Director NARWOA urged stakeholders to recognize women and appreciate them for their tireless efforts in caring for their families and nurturing their children. She reminded them of the critical role they play in raising children to value peace, steering them away from violence and cattle raiding.
“It’s important to prioritize women at the peace table and natural resource management, because as long as women are empowered, there will be development said Ataa
Under the continued priority for women’s involvement, a proposal was raised to organize women peace crusades, bringing together women from all communities.
*Why This Forum Matters*
“The conflict between Turkana and Karamoja is historical. So this is a big milestone for us as a program to sit and discuss the issues that are affecting them, Since most of their conflicts are aggravated by climate change,We will continue to support such forums for peace, but for sustainability these need to go beyond the lifetime of the program,” said Susan Audo, Program Manager, CCLAP
This forum was a big step forward. It showed that when people come together, listen to each other, and work as one, real progress is possible. Majorly, the rationale of the event was to ensure that there is creation of a positive feedback loop between the communities and their leaders. To ensure that they can be heard and how they can work towards finding positive solutions for peace and natural resource sharing.
For decades, conflicts between the Turkana and Karamojong have been fueled by competition over resources like water and grazing land. Women and girls in these communities face even more challenges because restrictive traditions keep them out of leadership and economic opportunities.
The poverty rate in this region is also three times higher than the national average.That’s why Mercy Corps launched the CCLAP program with funding from the Austrian Development Agency.
The program focuses on empowering women and girls, promoting fair use of natural resources, and strengthening community resilience against climate change.
As the day came to an end, leaders left with a clear plan for the future—and hope for a more peaceful tomorrow.
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