By Weswa Ronnie
MOROTO
The Pokot Leaders of Kenya and Uganda have signed a memorandum committing themselves into peaceful co-existence.
This occurred on 7th March, 2024 after a three day consultative meeting held at Hotel Africana in Moroto district.
The senior leaders committed to peace building and co-existence as they signed a joint communique on mediation and consultations between the Pokot of West Pokot County (Kenya), Pokot of Amudat, the Sabiny, the Pian of Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk districts.
The three days (5-7 Mar 2024) consultation and reconciliation security meeting was convened by Karamoja Parliamentary Group, Sebei Parliamentary Caucus, West Pokot County administration, supported by Operations Wealth Creation and coordinated by Hon David Pulkol.
In his remarks, Hon Peter Lokeris, Minister of State for mineral development called for total commitment in realization of peaceful co-existence across the sub-regions.
“I urge members to recommit themselves for orderly and peaceful cross-border benefits. We must denounce criminality and refocus on peace building,” Hon Lokeris emphasized.
The deputy Governor for West Pokot County Government in the Republic of Kenya, HE Robert Komolle who represented his boss, HE Governor Simon Kachapin re-emphasized the critical need for close collaboration engagements between the authorities on either side since the communities share common interests.
“I will dedicate my time and energy to move forward for harmonious co-existence amongst the affected agro-pastoral communities,” HE Komolle asserted.
The Chairperson Karamoja Parliamentary Group, Hon Remigio Achia (Pian County) called for long term solutions in support of the Karamoja Development Strategy.
Hon Chemutai Everyln, Woman Member of Parliament for (Bukwo) and Chairperson Sebei Parliamentary Caucus underlined that by reaching a joint communique, the leaders achieved desired milestone as they accepted to move together in the spirit of brotherhood and in search of lasting security and peace
Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, 3rd Division Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) appealed to senior leaders to fast track the implementation of the resolutions contained in the joint communique.
“Let’s go out and implement the workable resolutions amongst communities as leaders for our people,” he said adding that there is a possibility of breaking the ice to save the people”
Senior Commissioner of Police Elias Kasirabo, the Commandant Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) advised leaders to adopt and practice modern livestock rearing in the region which brings better animal products as opposed to normadism that comes with associated challenges.
The senior leaders also recognized and recommitted to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships based on trust, respect and shared values. They also promised to conduct immediate rotational security -community mobilization to sensitize the people on the positive outcomes of joint communique and concurrently hold more subsequent meetings.
A number of resolutions and strategies were agreed and contained in a signed joint Communique by respective senior leadership thus, HE Hon Achaule Robert Komolle, (Deputy Governor West Pokot County Government in Kenya), Hon Peter A Lokeris, Minister of State for Mineral Development (Uganda), Hon Remigio Achia, Chairperson Karamoja Parliamentary Group, Hon Everlyn Chemutai, Chairperson Sebei Parliamentary Caucus and Hon Peter Abrahams Lokii, the mediation Chairman.
A joint select technical committee composed of two senior members from each district of Bukwo, Kween, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk and Amudat of Uganda, West Pokot County administration, Joint security (UPDF and UPF) and Liaison officers was formed with practical terms of reference, focused to oversee the implementation of the joint communique among other tasks.
Present were: Ministers, Members of Parliament,.Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy Division Commander, Resident District Commissioners, Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, Regional Police Commander Mount Moroto, Chairpersons of District Local Governments, Members of County Assembly of West Pokot County Government, Local Council 3 Chairpersons, Maj Kenneth Kanyi Mwangi, Liaison Officer, senior officers of UPDF, ISO, Police and ASTU. Elders’ representatives, opinion leaders among other hundred officials.
