Katakwi, Uganda – After burning over 700 houses in Osep and Oedepus parishes, Ngariam Sub-county, Katakwi District, Karamojong herdsmen have apologized to the Iteso community and called for peaceful coexistence.
The fire, which happened two weeks ago, left hundreds of Iteso families homeless and caused damage estimated at over UGX 400 million.
The incident caused tension between the Karamojong and Iteso communities, and both sides are now seeking ways to heal and move forward.
Simon Peter Akiyo, a Karamojong herdsman from Sakale village in Nabilatuk District, spoke during a meeting with the affected Iteso community.
He apologized for the destruction and asked both communities to focus on their shared cultural ties to avoid further conflict.
“We must remember that we are one people, linked by our culture and heritage. Let us resolve our differences peacefully,” Akiyo said.
Akiyo also admitted that the herdsmen’s entry into Teso land without permission was a mistake.
He promised to work with leaders to make sure future grazing activities are formalized and regulated.
He called on the government to build valley dams in Karamoja to solve the water and pasture shortages that push herders to move into other regions.
In addition, Akiyo said he would help identify and report Karamojong cattle thieves, especially from the Pian community in Nabilatuk, who have been causing problems in Teso.
Another herdsman, Teko Kalakasi Nakiyakou from Napak District, supported Akiyo’s apology.
He promised to discourage raiding and pledged that they would report any attempted cattle thefts.
Moses Iteit, the LC3 chairperson of Ngariam Sub-county, welcomed the herdsmen’s apology but raised concerns about possible thefts while they were still grazing in the area.
He said the herdsmen had been asked to get written permission from their leaders to stay, but many had not complied yet.
“We are worried that some of them may steal cattle before they leave,” Iteit said.
Ngariam Sub-county, home to 1,500 people and 1,200 households across 14 parishes, was severely affected by the fire.
Many families are still trying to rebuild their lives, with help from the Uganda Red Cross Society, which visited the area to offer assistance.
Katakwi District Security Committee is waiting for formal requests from Karamoja leaders to allow the herdsmen to graze in Teso under agreed-upon conditions.
