By KT Reporter
Elders under the umbrella of the Kotido Elders Council have appealed to the government for support in implementing a new cultural strategy aimed at ending long-standing conflicts in the Karamoja sub-region. The appeal follows a meeting held on Sunday in Kotido District, where the council discussed their traditional approach to peacebuilding.
The elders have designed a six-month plan to traverse the region, during which they will establish peace committees in each clan, rally youth to embrace peace, discourage raids, and ultimately collect and bury guns from each clan as a symbolic end to violence.
The campaign is set to begin in the Jie community of Kotido District—an area the elders describe as particularly volatile—before expanding to other districts in the region. John Bosco Akore, secretary for the Kotido Elders Council, said the council has resolved to request government support, particularly the provision of a bus to facilitate their travel across districts.
He explained that their grassroots approach involves engaging communities directly at the clan level to promote peace and reconciliation. Akore emphasized that while many initiatives have failed to resolve the region’s instability, this alternative plan relies on traditional mechanisms that resonate with local communities. He said the elders are ready to begin the journey once the government provides logistical support.
According to Akore, the campaign will culminate in a gun burial ceremony, where firearms collected from each clan will be interred to symbolize the end of armed conflict. Although the ceremonial site is yet to be determined, he said plans are underway to identify a location that can accommodate representatives from all clans in Karamoja.
The elders are also asking the government to formally recognize their role in promoting peace. Akore revealed that several elders have already persuaded armed warriors to surrender their guns to authorities, contributing significantly to disarmament and stability efforts. He suggested that these individuals be appreciated for their bravery and contribution.
To motivate further participation, the elders proposed that each peace-building elder be supported with two bulls and ten goats. Akore believes this gesture would acknowledge their efforts and encourage continued involvement in restoring peace in the sub-region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
