UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
NRA supported the looting of the Iteso cattle. 368 Following a disarmament exercise by
the UPDF in the 1990s, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of raids. 369
The Karimojong raids remain among the most serious conflicts and causes of instability
and insecurity in the Teso sub-region. The armed raids, rapes, and looting associated
with this conflict also caused displacement of the population, especially in Katakwi
District. 370 Despite disarmament of the Karimojong, they still pose a serious challenge to
peace and stability in the region, leading to an impoverishment of the Teso community.
Various initiatives by Iteso cultural, religious, and community leaders, as well as civil
society organisations engaging in peace meetings and mediation, have led to some slight
improvements. However, the conflict is still seen by inhabitants as a huge inhibitor of
peace and development not only in Teso, but across eastern Uganda. 371
79. Conflict between Karimojong and Bagisu
Participants in Bulambuli, Soroti and Gulu districts indicated that there has long been a
conflict between the Karimojong and Bagisu communities. It is defined by Karimojong
raids on Bagisu property and cattle, which have claimed numerous innocent lives. This is
regarded as a historical conflict dating back to the 1960s. 372
Participants described how the first attacks, in which rudimentary weapons such
as spears, arrows, and bows were used, were less severe than subsequent ones. 373
However, this changed after the Karimojong raided the armoury in Moroto in 1979, 374
gaining access to heavier arms which they used to attack the Bagisu and other
neighbouring communities, 375 resulting in looting, rape and the death of many innocent
local people.
Male participants also identified the NRA bush war as a notable conflict which resulted
in the loss of cattle, life and property. During the height of the fight between the Tito
Okello’s Government forces and Museveni’s NRA, Government forces stationed in eastern
Uganda were redeployed to fight the NRA as the latter advanced toward Kampala. The
resulting vacuum left eastern Uganda without adequate army protection, thereby giving
free reign to Karimojong cattle raiders to attack and displace the unarmed Bagisu.
The Bagisu seek Government compensation for losses suffered at the hands of the
Karimojong. They also expressed desire for reconciliation with the Karimojong, though
368 Refugee Law Project (2002) War as normal: The impact of violence on the lives of displaced communities
in Pader District, Northern Uganda” RLP Working Paper No. 5. p. 7
369 Research conducted in Soroti District
370 Nannyonjo, J. (2005) Conflicts, poverty and human development in Northern Uganda. United Nations
University Research Paper No. 2005/47, pg. 3
371 Research conducted in Soroti and Bulambuli Districts
372 Research conducted in Bulambuli, Soroti and Gulu Districts
373 Research conducted in Bulambuli and Soroti Districts
374 Nannyonjo, J. (2005) Conflicts, poverty and human development in Northern Uganda. United Nations
University Research Paper No. 2005/47, pp. 1-4; Refugee Law Project. (2002) War as normal: The impact
of violence on the lives of displaced communities in Pader District, Northern Uganda, RLP Working Paper
No. 5. pp. 5-6; Doom, R. and Vlassenroot, K. (1999) Kony’s message: A new koine? The Lord’s Resistance
Army in Northern Uganda. African Affairs 98 (390), pp. 5-36
375 Research conducted in Bulambuli, Soroti and Gulu Districts
170