Karamoja Elders Council has ordered security forces to evacuate their traditional shrine locally known as Akiriket in the Lotisan sub-county, Moroto district.
The shrine used to be the main Akiriket for the people of the Matheniko clan as well as the meeting point for elders before the UPDF forces established the military detachment. The elders now want back their land so that they can revive the Akiriket.
They also demand compensation for the traditional trees that were cut down in the area by the forces during the establishment of the military detachment.
Papaa Angasuban Peter Adei, the Karamoja Cultural Leader, noted that most of the areas they used for traditional gatherings have been invaded by the security forces and the Wildlife Authority.
Adei said that it is against their tradition for an authorized person to enter the Akiriket and perform any activity without the knowledge of the Elders.
He said the army shall have to compensate the bull that will be used for cleansing the Akiriket for the trees which were cut down during their settlement.
Adei reiterated that they want back the land to enable them to open up a main Akiriket that will be gathering all the Elders from the Matheniko clan to discuss their affairs.
Adei also observed that all the communal productive lands in the region have been taken up by wildlife authorities and its lying idle when people are grappling with hunger due to lack of food.
In response, Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd Division Commander, tasked the Elders to identify another suitable place for the forces to evacuate.
Nabasa revealed that they would not love to settle in the areas meant for traditional gatherings because it frustrates their work.
He noted that the Elders play a great role in unifying the community and preaching peace which is the common goal security is working on to achieve.
Nabasa said that they are flexible and ready to evacuate anywhere the elders will decide for them and compensate for whatever is needed for cleansing.
In 2014, the Uganda Wildlife Authority- UWA gazetted 85 percent of the land under the Matheniko – Bokora Game reserve in the Lotisan sub-county when people fled their homes due to insecurity.
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