Uganda has agreed to free nine Turkana herders from Kenya after the two nations signed an MOU.
Turkana and Karamajong from Uganda have over years had socioeconomic conflicts that result to loss of lives.
The two communities share ancestral land which sometimes causes conflicts over sharing pasture, water and other resources for their livestock.
Cattle raiding among the two communities also cause insecurity.
“Aware that that Karamoja and Turkana communities along the border of the two countries are faced with numerous challenges including insecurity attributed to the proliferation of small arms and light weapon, limited economic and livelihood opportunities, impacts of climate change occasioning pro-longed cyclical draughts and famine and limited infrastructure in the region,” a communique released said.
This followed the February 20 meeting involving Cabinet Secretary East African Community and ASAL Rebecca Miano from Kenya and Minister for Security Jim Muhwezi from Uganda.
The two countries agreed to investigate the killing of the Ugandan nationals by suspected Kenyan herders.
The Kenyan government urged Uganda to cooperate and coordinate in the ongoing disarmament operation in order to curtail herdsmen from crossing boarder with illegal arms.
They both agreed to establishing communication channels and networks to enhance effective communication, coordination on rapid action and conflict early warning and response.
“Considering that the Joint High-Level Security Mission deliberated on and taken decisions on the critical agenda including: the request by the Kenya Government for the release of nine Turkana herders from Uganda prison; the review and implementation of the joint MOU between Kenya and Uganda ,and mechanisms to enhance coordination and communication between the two countries and across the sub-national levels of governments and communities.”
“There is need for improved cross-boarder infrastructure, enhanced security and disarmament,” the statement read.
The Kenyan government promised to consider mechanisms to strengthen the military liaison office in Karamoja by extending the year of stay.
The County government of Turkana will consider establishing a Civilian Liaison Office in Karamoja as a bridge between security and civil administration in resolving day to day issues affecting Turkana herders in Karamoja.
To facilitate recovery and handover of stolen livestock, the meeting resolved to deploy adequate security forces on strategic points along the border points, taking into account specific raiding routes and known hide-outs for bandits.
Besides, the two states, the county governments in Kenya (Turkana and West Pokot) and the district administration in Karamoja agreed allocate resources to cater for provision of health, education and water services.
Further, they resolved to build and improve roads network, establish immigration and customs boarder points at Lokiriama, Nawountos, Nakitong’o and other strategic places along the boarders to enhance cross-border trade.
“There is urgent need to build and equip health facilities, schools and water points along the border areas to cater for herders in the region.”
The two governments are required to immediately nominate members to the Joint Technical Steering Committee to spearhead efforts for resource mobilization and the implementation of the MOU in accordance with Art. 4 of the MOU.
