Conflict in Karamoja: A Synthesis of Historical and Current Perspectives, 1920-2022

KRSU Publication

Conflict in Karamoja: A Synthesis of Historical and Current Perspectives, 1920-2022

October 2022
By: Elizabeth Stites

This knowledge synthesis focuses on violent conflict in the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda. While violence and conflict both can and do take many forms, this synthesis takes as its focus the phenomenon of cattle raiding and associated violence. This knowledge synthesis briefly describes the concept and role of cattle raiding within pastoral societies in East Africa and the Karamoja Cluster and then examines different historical periods and experiences of violent conflict associated with cattle raiding within the Karamoja sub-region.

“We Now Have Relative Peace”; Changing Conflict Dynamics in Northern Karamoja, Uganda

November 2015
By: Elizabeth Stites, Kimberly Howe, Darlington Akabwai

This report reflects research from early 2015 conducted by the Feinstein International Center at the Friedman School of Tufts University and Mercy Corps in northern Karamoja, Uganda. The research examined changing conflict dynamics and related conflict mitigation and peacebuilding initiatives. The objective of the study was to provide a nuanced understanding of the current threats to security at the household, community, district and regional levels, and to examine how these dynamics have changed in recent years. The study examined conflict mitigation initiatives, including access to and efficacy of these systems.