Uganda grants Pokot herders access to grazing fields

By OSINDE OBARE

POKOT, KENYA: Uganda has accepted a request by Pokot pastoralists to access pasture and water in Amudat district following a dry spell experienced in West Pokot County.

Kacheliba Member of Parliament Mr. Mark Lomunakol negotiated the grazing deal with his Amudat colleague Mr. Micah Lolem.

A dry spell has hit Pokot County in the past weeks prompting local leaders led by Lomunakol to approach the Ugandan authorities to allow the pastoralists access grazing fields and water points in the neighbouring country.

Lomunakol told The Standard that several Pokot pastoralists are migrating to Uganda in search of pasture and water to save their drought stricken cattle threatened with imminent death.  

He said water sources including water pans in his constituency have dried up and there is no grass due to lack of rains.

Lomunakol singled out Kasei, Ombolion, Alale, Takawa and Konyao as some of the affected areas in the constituency where herders are frustrated by lack of pasture and water for their cattle.

“There is high movement of the pastoralists from these areas to Uganda following dry spell witnessed in the past weeks and we appreciate Uganda for accepting our request to access pasture in their country,” said Lomunakol.

The MP said pastoralists from Kasei will move to Loro, Acholicholi areas while those from Alale will access pasture and water in Amudat and slopes of Mt Kadamu.

When contacted, authorities in Amudat confirmed that they had considered the request from the Kenyan pastoralists to cross the border and access grazing fields in the country.

Lolem said the leadership in Amudat had agreed to share grazing fields with the affected Kenyan pastoralists and asked the visitors to respect the grazing arrangements.

“It is true we have accepted their request to access the pretty grass on our side but they must respect the grazing arrangements to avoid conflicts with the locals,” he told the Standard.

The National Resistance Army NRM lawmaker lauded the government through the Minister of Karamoja Affairs Mrs. Janet Museveni, wife to Uganda President Mr. Yoweri Museveni that has helped to construct over five watering pans to help the local pastoralists.

“We are happy that the minister for Karamoja Affairs Mrs. Museveni has ensured adequate water provision for the local pastoralists and we are ready to support our brothers from Kenya to access the resources  to save their cattle,” he said.

He urged the Kenyans pastoralists trooping to the country to cooperate with the Ugandan locals and leaders to avoid any conflicts.

“We expect out brothers from Kenya to stick to grazing frameworks and consult the local grassroots administration to ensure their security,” he added.

He assured Kenyan pastoralists of enough security in Amudat and other neighboring districts and urged them not to cross the border with guns.