By KT Reporter
A section of reformed Karamojong warriors, under the Karachunas Peace Movement, has made significant strides in promoting economic growth, unity, and peaceful coexistence through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
The reformed warriors, also known as Karachunas, began their mobilization in 2023 after voluntarily surrendering their guns to the government and embracing peace. They later established SACCO groups across all nine districts in the Karamoja sub-region under the Micro Finance Support Center.
Since its inception in 2023, the initiative has seen the Karachunas save up to 960 million shillings. District-wise savings include 114 million in Amudat, 77 million in Kaabong, 79 million in Moroto, 86 million in Nabilatuk, 214 million in Napak, 70 million in Abim, 70 million in Karenga, and 250 million in Kotido. These savings stem from income-generating activities such as cattle trade, beekeeping, and cereal banking, with members contributing weekly.
Daniel Lokote, a SACCO leader in Napak district, said they chose the path of peace after realizing that the presence of guns in their communities had deprived them of freedom. He emphasized that through financial literacy training provided by the Micro Finance Support Center, they learned how to manage their savings efficiently.
Lokote added that the SACCO model has united the Karachunas, encouraging them to work hard and mobilize others still in hiding to return home and embrace peace. Julius Ogwang, SACCO leader for Karachunas in Abim district, acknowledged that while peace is largely prevailing, some armed warriors remain in the bush, posing security threats. He praised the Reformed Warriors Peace Movement for fostering dialogue and collective problem-solving in the region.
Ogwang also urged the government to formally recognize and support their associations, turning them into permanent platforms for peacebuilding. Ogwang called for rotational Karachunas barazas in every district to showcase their unity and encourage others to abandon armed conflict. He stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved if poverty remains rampant, urging for affirmative action to empower women, who often bear the brunt of economic hardships. He warned that without economic stability, men might be forced back into cattle raiding to provide for their families.
On Saturday, the reformed warriors gathered at Naitakwae Ceremonial Grounds for a Karachunas Barraza, where they engaged with various stakeholders to discuss their progress and challenges. During the event, they received a donation of 9 million shillings for their SACCO groups and 20 ox plows to support agricultural activities. Caroline Angolere, Special Presidential Assistant in Political Affairs and Team Leader of the Karachunas Peace Movement emphasized the importance of these barazas in giving the reformed warriors a platform to voice their concerns and propose solutions.
She noted that empowering Karamoja’s youth is essential for securing a peaceful and prosperous future for the sub-region. Angolere highlighted the need for non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms and encouraged the Karachunas to serve as peace ambassadors in their communities. She urged them to emulate pastoralist communities like the Turkana in Kenya, who coexist peacefully without resorting to gun violence.
She also noted that reformed warriors had participated in exchange visits to other parts of Uganda, where they learned valuable agricultural techniques, including grass preservation for livestock during dry seasons. Angolere stressed that the economic empowerment of women is crucial in discouraging their husbands from engaging in cattle raids.
Well-wisher Peter Edeku Edopu from the Teso sub-region donated 20 ox plows and 1 million shillings per SACCO group to support agricultural activities. He urged the Karamojong community to engage in trade with neighboring regions like Teso, Sebei, and Acholi, promoting peaceful coexistence through economic interdependence.
Ahamed Madiri, Mt. Moroto Regional Police Commander, commended the reformed warriors for abandoning armed conflict in favor of peace and development. He assured them of the security forces’ commitment to protecting their lives and property, allowing them to focus on productive activities.
Brig. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, UPDF 3rd Division Commander, praised the Karachunas for their courage in renouncing violence. He emphasized that peace is not just the absence of guns but the presence of opportunities, development, and unity.
Despite progress, Sserunkuma noted persistent criminal activities and livestock theft between the Pokot and Pian communities in Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, and Amudat districts, warning that such incidents threaten the region’s hard-earned peace. He urged the Karachunas to reach out to their remaining armed colleagues and convince them to surrender their weapons.
Sserunkuma reiterated the government’s commitment to reintegrating and empowering reformed warriors through programs such as the distribution of iron sheets, livestock, and other incentives-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
