Karamoja Cultural Event Concludes with Calls for Community-Led Rangeland Management

The recent 11th Karamoja Cultural Event, held in Moroto, concluded with a strong consensus among stakeholders on the vital role of local communities in effective rangeland management. The week-long gathering brought together pastoralist groups, cultural leaders, government representatives, and development partners from Uganda and neighboring East African nations to celebrate their shared heritage and address pressing challenges.

The Resource Conflict Institute (RECONCILE) highlighted the intrinsic link between culture, peace, and the sustainable management of rangelands. The event served as a crucial platform to advance discussions on preserving indigenous knowledge related to pastoral livelihoods and food systems, especially in the context of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

Through initiatives like the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) programme, organizations are actively supporting community-led rangeland restoration. The Nakonyen community, for instance, has identified key priorities such as restoring degraded lands, securing grazing areas, protecting water sources, and strengthening local institutions. Members of this community shared their experiences, emphasizing how dialogue has fostered greater participation in protecting vital rangelands.

Irene Alinga, Secretary of the Nakonyen Rangeland Management Committee, noted the value of interacting with pastoralists from other East African countries, recognizing common challenges and collective approaches to overcoming them. RECONCILE Executive Director Ken Otieno underscored that sustainable rangeland management must be participatory, empowering communities that directly depend on these lands.

Discussions also extended to the necessity of robust cross-border resource-sharing agreements, acknowledging that pastoralists frequently traverse national boundaries in search of pasture and water. Furthermore, calls were made for increased investment in employment and development opportunities for the youth, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes. There was also a push for broader conversations on addressing hunger and food insecurity, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation and sustainable investments.

As the event concluded, the overarching message was clear: translating the resolutions into tangible actions that benefit pastoralist communities is paramount. The event underscored that traditional knowledge and local institutions are foundational to building resilient landscapes, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and fostering peaceful coexistence across the Karamoja region.