1,000 South Sudan pastoralists cross into Uganda

Kaabong.

An estimated 1,000 Toposa pastoralists from South Sudan have crossed into Kaabong District, in Karamoja sub-region in search of water and pasture.
Ironically, Karimojong pastoralists have been crossing from their areas to Acholi and other places in search for water and pasture as a result of a long drought spell that has scorched away grass and dried up all valley dams.
Pastoralists from Kotido, Napak, Nakapiripirit and Amudat districts have crossed into areas of Sebei, Teso and Lango.
The South Sudanese pastoralists entered Uganda on Friday with about 10,000 livestock including camels, donkeys, sheep and goats.

Mr Mark Abuku the Kaabong District chairperson said the animal numbers are overwhelming considering that Turkana pastoralists from Kenya have entered the district with large numbers of animals.
“Kaabong District is overwhelmed. The District alone has 200,000 animals before the Turkana entered in the district with their 40,000 now the Toposa have also entered again,” Mr Abuku said.
Otuke District chairperson Denis Okello said the people of Otuke are complaining against the Karimojong saying they might be surveying for cattle rustling.

In a meeting called by Lango cultural leaders supported by Karamoja Development Forum in Otuke, the Lango leaders accused the Karimojong who are grazing in their land of raping women, stealing food in the gardens, defecating in water sources and moving at night with guns.
However, the UPDF 5th Division commander Brig Sam Kavuma dismissed the allegations by Lango leaders of the Karimojong moving with guns at night saying it’s not true.
“Government has disarmed the Karimojong so nobody is moving around with guns,” Brig Kavuma said.