Leaders and residents in Karamoja have welcomed the appointment of John Baptis Lokii and Esther Anyakun to head the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, describing it as a historic shift after years of the ministry being led by leaders from outside the region. They are, however, urging the new ministers to avoid the corruption scandals that have long tainted the ministry.
President Museveni mid this week nominated John Baptist Lokii as Minister of Karamoja Affairs. He also nominated Esther Anyakun as State Minister for Karamoja Affairs. It is the first time the ministry will be led by leaders from the region.
Lokii, MP for Matheniko County in Moroto District and NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, replaces Peter Lokeris, who was appointed in March 2024 after Mary Gorretii Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu were dropped from cabinet in a mini reshuffle over corruption scandals. Lokeris lost his seat in the recent elections.
Anyakun, Woman MP for Nakapiripirit District and outgoing State Minister for Labour, Gender and Social Development, takes over from Florence Nambozo. The reshuffle also saw Karamoja secure a third ministerial slot, with Rose Lily Akello appointed State Minister for Ethics and Integrity.
Thomas Otim Loukwae, Napak LC5 Councilor for Lokopo Sub-County, said that the appointments are long overdue. “For over 20 years, President Museveni has been appointing leaders with zero knowledge of the region. The appointment of these two ministers is a big achievement because they understand the dynamics and challenges faced in the region’’ Loukwae said.
He noted that the previous Ministers from outside come to learn and disappear without making an input towards the development of Karamoja. Loukwae said the region’s insecurity, often involving internal clashes among Karamojong clusters, requires leaders who understand the historical context. He described Lokii as a leader who has promoted education through sponsoring learners and establishing community primary schools.
Residents echoed the optimism but warned against repeating past mistakes. Julius Adome, a resident of Natumukasikou village in Moroto District, urged the two ministers for Karamoja Affairs to desist from corruption and avoid being trapped in scandals involving the mismanagement of government programs.
Adome said the ministers should prioritize addressing the problems facing the region and ensuring its development. He also re-emphasized the need for leaders to focus on fighting poverty and hunger, which have kept communities marginalized.
Adome further stressed the need to improve education services by ensuring that all school-going children are supported to stay in school and complete the education cycle. Constantine Watum, another resident, shared the same expectations and warned the leaders against corruption scandals at the Karamoja Ministry, as it has been labeled a haven for thieves.
Watum said they do not want to hear stories of corruption at the Karamoja Ministry, which has been labeled a haven for thieves. He noted that corruption at the ministry has cost the people of Karamoja many opportunities and set back development. He added that since the minister is new to the post, they want to see fresh ideas to steer the region’s development. Watum also urged the ministers to establish their offices within the region and engage with local people to understand their problems and provide workable solutions.
Moses Lokeris, a resident of Rupa Sub-County, lauded the government for appointing its own leaders to run the ministry that belongs to them. Lokeris urged the incoming ministers to identify the weaknesses of previous leaders and improve on their performance. He said the ministers should focus on education, water, food insecurity, and insecurity as the main items on Karamoja’s development agenda.
Lokeris said their hopes have risen after seeing their own leaders in charge, unlike before, when they were left in the hands of leaders who did not understand the region’s problems.
Mark Angella, LC1 Chairperson of Lolayen Village in Nadunget Town Council, urged the newly appointed minister to put politics aside and focus on serving all the people of Karamoja. Angella noted that since the Matheniko County MP has been given the task of leading the entire ministry, he should advocate for services that benefit the whole region and not just the people who voted for him. He also urged the minister to work closely with local leadership from the district to the village level to improve service delivery.
Angella said he has more than 30 idle youths who are interested in skilling programs and appealed to the minister to lobby for such programs so that the youth are not lured into criminal activities.
John Mark Lowal, a resident of Kangole Town Council, said they are grateful for the appointment of three ministers from the region. Lowal challenged the ministers to use the opportunity to advocate for programs that benefit the entire region. He said they should focus on education, water, infrastructure, health, and other key areas.
He noted that Karamoja’s biggest challenge has been water for production, and if addressed, it would improve food production and reduce hunger. Lowal expressed optimism that the newly appointed minister, who has always been down-to-earth and closely engaged with the people, is well placed to understand the needs of the Karamojong.
The new ministers are expected to establish offices within Karamoja and engage directly with communities to identify solutions. Residents say they will be watching closely to see whether the “home-grown” leadership delivers where previous appointees did not-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
