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Karamoja’s Journey to Peace: Can Security Barazas Solve Instability?
By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda — For decades, Karamoja has been known for its rich pastoral culture, but also for the persistent cycle of cattle rustling, armed conflicts, and socio-economic instability. In an effort to bring lasting peace, security barazas—community dialogues between security forces, local leaders, and residents—have gained momentum. These forums offer a new path forward, built on trust, collaboration, and development.
The big question remains: Can security barazas finally pacify Karamoja and usher in a future of stability and prosperity?
Karamoja’s history is deeply intertwined with cattle keeping—a practice central to the identity of its people. However, the competition for livestock has fueled violent clashes between different groups, resulting in long-standing insecurity.
With a renewed push for peace, security barazas have emerged as a strategic tool for fostering dialogue between security forces and communities. The recent Napumpum Sub-county baraza, held in Kotido District, on thursday 24th.4. 2025 demonstrated the impact of these engagements, drawing hundreds of residents, top security officials, and local leaders.
As leaders addressed the crowd, the message was clear: “Peace can be achievable if we work together”.
A Warrior’s Transformation: Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Among those in attendance was Lopua, a former Karacuna warrior who had spent years raiding cattle and living by the gun. With few alternatives and deep-rooted traditions encouraging armed conflicts, he once believed cattle rustling was his only means of survival.
But after seeing the devastation caused by violence, Lopua surrendered his firearm, joined a reintegration program, and embraced farming. Now, he grows sorghum and raises livestock peacefully. His transformation is a testament to the power of dialogue, economic empowerment, and community-driven initiatives.
Voices from Karamoja: Leaders Weigh In
Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams — Jie County MP
Lokii praised the efforts of joint security forces in restoring stability in the region. However, he emphasized that economic solutions must accompany security interventions. Without viable employment and development initiatives, many youths risk falling back into cycles of crime and conflict.
Hon. Margaret Achilla Aleper — Kotido Woman MP
Aleper highlighted the crucial role of women in peace-building. She advocated for education and economic empowerment for women and girls, stressing that breaking generational poverty is key to ending insecurity. She also welcomed Shs 400 million allocated for water production, urging communities to use the resource wisely.
Hon. Ismail Lomwar — Kotido Municipality MP
Lomwar emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among ethnic communities. He urged dialogue over conflict, calling on leaders to prioritize education, infrastructure development, and improved healthcare as tools for lasting peace.
Security Forces Strengthen Their Commitment
Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma — UPDF 3rd Infantry Division Commander
Sserunkuma reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to securing Karamoja, cautioning against actions that could undermine recent peace gains. He also reinforced Executive Order No. 3 of May 2023, which prohibits armed Turkana elements from crossing into Uganda.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto — ASTU Commandant
Chemusto credited joint operations for reducing cattle theft and curbing illicit waragi trade. He encouraged locals to document their livestock properly, stressing that clear records can prevent disputes and further insecurity.
Beyond Security: The Fight for Development
Security alone cannot fully pacify Karamoja. Experts argue that investments in education, health, and economic empowerment are equally critical for sustainable peace.
Local leaders welcomed government funding, including the Shs 400 million allocated for water production and domestic use. Education was another major focus, with calls for compulsory schooling to equip Karamoja’s youth with alternative livelihoods beyond cattle-raiding. Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor echoed these sentiments, stressing that development initiatives must go hand in hand with security interventions to truly transform the region.
Expert Perspectives: The Road to Sustainable Peace
Security expert Dr. Samuel Ocen, a researcher on conflict resolution, believes that security barazas alone are not enough—economic alternatives must follow.
Dialogue is essential, but without viable opportunities for former warriors, the cycle of insecurity will persist, he explains. Dr. Ocen advocates for vocational training, agricultural support, and market accessibility to help communities transition away from dependence on cattle raiding.
A recent report by the Karamoja Resilience Support Unit supports this view, stating that while disarmament has reduced armed conflict, insecurity persists due to economic hardships. The report recommends a multi-sectoral strategy combining security, development, and governance to achieve lasting peace.
A Call for Unity and Long-Term Solutions
Special Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs, Caro Angolore, urged communities to take ownership of peace-building efforts, reinforcing the idea that peace is more than just an absence of violence—it is the presence of opportunity.
In a symbolic act, two sub-machine guns and two bulls were voluntarily surrendered by former armed individuals from Rengen Sub-county and South Division, Kotido Municipality, signaling growing willingness among communities to embrace disarmament and reintegration.
Can Barazas Deliver Lasting Peace?
Despite notable progress, challenges remain. Some Karacuna hesitate to disarm, and sporadic cattle raids continue especially in the border regions. Experts argue that security barazas alone cannot pacify Karamoja unless paired with economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and reintegration programs.
Key Initiatives Supporting Peace
– Parish Development Model (PDM) — Creating alternative livelihoods
– Vocational Training Programs — Equipping former warriors with skills
– Agricultural Investments — Strengthening food security and trade
– Improved Infrastructure — Enhancing market access and mobility
Security barazas may not be the sole solution, but they are a step in the right direction. By reinforcing collaboration between security forces and communities, strengthening economic opportunities, and promoting peaceful coexistence, Karamoja moves closer to a future free from conflict—one dialogue at a time.
Final Thoughts: A Future of Hope
Karamoja stands at a pivotal crossroads. The success of security barazas depends not only on dialogue but on sustained investments in education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.
As leaders, security forces, and communities continue working together, the dream of a peaceful and prosperous Karamoja is within reach .
