Karimojong, Turkana pastoralists get cross-border cattle market

Karimojong cattle traders jubilate after the official hand over of a cross-border cattle market in Kaabong last Friday. PHOTO BY STEVEN ARIONG

What you need to know:

Development. The market will help boost cattle trade

KAABONG.

Three pastoralist communities in eastern Africa now have reason to smile following the establishment of a cross border cattle market.

The communities set to benefit from the lucrative deal include the Karimojong of Uganda, the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa of South Sudan as it will allow traders from the three communities sell their cattle across boundaries.
The market, constructed by Mercy Corps, has been opened in Komurio, Kaabong district with funding from Usaid.

Speaking during its unveiling last Friday, Mr Tesfu Kahsay, the deputy head of growth, health and governance programme Mercy Corps, said the cattle market cost Shs87m.

He said the move is aimed at boosting animal trade and make the Karimojong realise the benefits of livestock products through cattle trade.

Kaabong deputy Chief Administrative Officer Alfred Malinga said the market will boost the district revenue since it will attract traders from South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda. He cautioned the public against vandalising the market.

The hurdles
“Government and NGOs have been constructing facilities of high value to help the communities in Karamoja but many times the community turns to vandalise the facilities which must stop,” he said.

Mr Joseph Komol, the district LC5 chairperson, said the cattle market will operate every Monday.
“This is not the first project Mercy Corps has done in Kaabong, even the current peace that we are enjoying with our brothers the Turkana, it was Mercy Corps that mediated the dialogue,” he said.
Mr Komol advised cattle dealers to avoid hiking cattle prices.

“Now that we have got this market that will serve people from Turkana, South Sudan and Uganda, please do not tag high prices on the livestock because it will scare away traders,” he said.

Mr Paul Lokol, one of the cattle traders in Kaabong, said the established cattle market will now help them to do profitable cattle business.