This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, the United Nations launched the Kenya-Uganda Programme for Peace and Sustainable Development in Moroto, Uganda, witnessed by Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The programme aims to improve infrastructure, reduce tensions over water and pasture, and eliminate illicit trafficking of guns.
However, leaders from Karamoja expressed disappointment that President Kenyatta's government failed to make firm commitments to disarm the Pokot and the Turkana of Kenya.
Uganda had previously disarmed its Karamajong pastoralists in a nearly decade-long exercise between 2001 and 2009, resulting in a peace dividend.
But the guns across the border in Kenya have left the Karamajong vulnerable, according to Hillary Okwang, Member of Parliament for Lamwo County in Uganda.
Bildad Moses Adome, Jie County Member of Parliament, hopes that the Kenyan government will take up the challenge of disarmament, or else the Ugandan soldiers may have to blockade the border with the Turkana in Kenya and the Toposa in South Sudan.
President Kenyatta suggested that the Karamoja community seek alternatives to peace, including intermarriage with the Turkana and Pokot.
Turkana County governor Josphat Nanok has invested Ksh400 million ($3.8 million) in cross-border co-operation, including the treatment of animals and people in Karamoja and Turkana to boost peace and security.
