Dr. Emmanuel Peter Eriaku, the former Kapelebyong County member of parliament, has a different perspective on the matter. He believes that Napak is more privileged than Kapelebyong in terms of access to significant watering points. Dr. Eriaku pointed out that Napak has three valley dams, while Kapelebyong has only four water tanks.
Councilors from Napak and Kapelebyong districts reached an
agreement on Saturday to permit Karimojong herders to access Teso for grazing
and watering their animals during the peak of the drought season from January
to April.
This agreement was established during a three-day meeting at Soroti
Hotel involving councilors from Napak and Kapelebyong as well as the LC 5
chairperson. Despite
being passed just days ago, the agreement between Napak and Kapelebyong
districts has faced sharp criticism.
Dr. Emmanuel Peter Eriaku, the former Kapelebyong
County member of parliament, has a different perspective on the matter. He
believes that Napak is more privileged than Kapelebyong in terms of access to
significant watering points. Dr. Eriaku pointed out that Napak has three valley
dams, while Kapelebyong has only four water tanks.
Ateso Audio
//Cue in: “Nepetai ija kede…………
Cue Out:...akon alosikinet,”//
A
valley dam is a man-made lake covering an area approximately the size of ten
football pitches, while a water tank is equivalent to the size of a single
football pitch. Dr. Eriaku questioned the fairness of the agreement, suggesting
that it may not be beneficial for Kapelebyong.
On
the other hand, Dr. Eriaku argues that Napak has enough grass to sustain its
animals without the need to cross into Teso for pasture. He expressed concern
as a veterinarian that Karamoja animals often bring multiple disease burdens
into Teso because they are not given proper care and treatment.
Ateso
Audio
//Cue
in: “Iyatakini ijo nen………
Cue Out:..na inuno ijo,”//
Dr.
Eriaku cautioned Kapelebyong leaders to proceed cautiously on this matter, as
he believes that Karimojong herders may have hidden motives, such as spying on
cattle populations in Teso and potentially returning to steal cows in the
future.
Ateso
Audio
//Cue
in: “Nes einait eong………
Cue Out:….local revenue,”//
Francis
Akorikin, the LC5 Chairperson of Kapelebyong district, defended the agreement,
stating that it was reached after careful consideration of several factors. He
assured that the movement of Karimojong herders will be regulated, and they
will only be allowed to graze and water their animals in designated areas.
Furthermore, Karimojong herders will be restricted to enter only two
sub-counties, Acinga and Omokori in Kapelebyong district during the dry
season.
John Omoding
Freelancer