Local leaders under the umbrella of the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) have asked the government to consider Karamoja as a distinct region separate from Northern Uganda.
Karamoja sub-region covers an area of 27,528 kilometers and comprises nine districts including Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Kotido, Abim, Kaabong, Karenga, and Amudat, which are currently counted under Northern Uganda.
However, the sub-region is internally divided. Abim, Kotido, Kaabong, and Karenga districts are considered part of the North, Moroto and Napak are central, while Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, and Amudat lie in the southern part. During the regional ULGA meeting on Friday in Nabilatuk district, local leaders in the Karamoja sub-region demanded recognition as an independent region to unify their communities and promote development.
Felix Mark Lochale, the Vice President of ULGA for the Karamoja sub-region and LC5 chairperson of Karenga district, emphasized the need for regional status to bring services closer to the community. He highlighted issues like youth elections being hindered because people from Karamoja are transported outside the region to vote.
Lochale noted that regional status would bridge gaps among the different Karamojong clusters and foster peaceful coexistence. He also called for leaders to clear their subscription fees and support ULGA activities, stressing that unpaid fees have hampered the association’s ability to serve effectively.
Lochale advocated for a review of decentralization to amend acts for better service delivery. He urged leaders to create ordinances on education, the environment, and waragi (a local alcoholic beverage) to protect people from harmful practices.
