Uganda—Karamojong

TCL, CYS, MIL

Area of Influence
a. Geographic area: northeastern Uganda
b. Population subsets: the Dodoth, the Jie, and the Karimojong

Description of Organization
a. Who are the leaders? Leadership of Karamojong populations is held by a generation or “age-class,” not by individuals. Decisions are made by the group. There is a parallel political (non-customary) structure (the local council “LC system) in Karamoja, just as in the rest of Uganda, however this political structure is distrusted for its failure to truly represent the population (both because many of the more influential LC officials are not elected and because their backgrounds—especially in terms of education—do not reflect those of their constituencies).
b. How does one gain influence in the group? The leadership is granted from the older generation to the younger generation in a formal passage ceremony but not at a prescribed time. As the younger generation ages and has children of their own, they are becoming increasingly frustrated with elders. The last power-passage was in 1956-1958
c. What issues do they care about? The Karamojong are concerned with preserving their livelihoods and cultural practices. This is becoming increasingly difficult as conflict over resources brings the Karamojong into collision with neighboring ethnic groups.
d. What does the organizational structure look like?
i. Oligarchy

Financial Resources (if applicable)
a. List activities that generate cash flow:
• animal husbandry (especially cattle-raising),
• agriculture
• sale of firewood/charcoal
• unloading lorries (men)
• traditional alcoholic brew (women)
b. Income from activities
i. sale of firewood/charcoal: 500-400 UGS/day ($.30-$2.30/day)
ii. unloading lorries: 200-500 UGS/load ($.12-$.30)/load
iii. traditional alcoholic brew: 500-1000 UGS/day ($.30-$.60/day)
c. Profitability

Military Resources (if applicable)
a. What arms do they possess
i. What type? Small arms (G3s, AK47s): Traditionally, the Karamojong used spears as weapons, but as “modern” weapons became increasingly available in the 1960s, they began to purchase new arms for their protection. Now, nearly every male adult carries a firearm.
ii. How much? 40,000-100,000 firearms
b. Experience level
c. Access to arms: The Karamojong access weapons markets in Southern Sudan, with allegations that SPLM soldiers sell weapons in exchange for cattle. It is also suggested that weapons traders arrive in eastern Uganda from the DRC and sell weapons in the Karamoja markets. The GoU? has made repeated, isolated attempts to disarm the Karamojong. Sadly, this has only exacerbated conflicts. Those groups who submit to disarmament are left vulnerable to attack and so, there is strong incentive not to disarm. There are also allegations that the Government of Kenya supports the Karamojong with weapons.