Karimojong and other Ateker tribes from neighboring Kenya and South Sudan have spent the fourth day of the Karamoja Cultural Event carrying out dialogues to foster peaceful coexistence of their communities.
In Karimojong culture, dialogue is a peaceful way of solving conflict as well as finding solutions to challenges affecting their area.
As the cultural event, which is taking place at the Napeikori grounds in Karenga district, entered its fourth day on September 5, 2024, the Karimojong gathered in groups of elders, women, and youth to dialogue.
Judith Nafula, the Karenga district communication officer, said the event aims to showcase Karimojong culture along with other Ateker cluster tribes from Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
She adds that carrying out dialogue in the presence of visitors exhibits it as their trait but also provides a platform for intercommunity dialogue since all the communities are present at the event.
Nafula noted that the key issues the Ateker tribes are trying to solve through these dialogues include both intercommunity and cross-border cattle rustling, local and cross-border poaching, and effecting cross-border trade, among others.
The Karamoja Sub-Region has for years grappled with cattle conflicts, leading to loss of lives and sporadic attacks by the Turkana of Kenya in Northern Karamoja, making it essential for leaders to engage in continuous dialogue at community and regional levels, as well as across borders with neighboring communities in Kenya and South Sudan.
