KARAMOJA
Karamoja commonly referred to as Karamoja sub-region is located in Northeastern Uganda. It is not just a region, but an exceptional touristic destination where you can experience the true African wilderness. Karamoja extends covering over 27,528 km consisting of Northeastern districts of Napak, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Kotido, Amudat, Nabilatuk, Karenga, Abim, and Moroto. As of 2022, the population of people in Karamoja region was estimated to be 1.4 million.
Location
Karamoja is remotely lying in Northeastern Uganda. It is a rugged area, often experiences semi-arid climatic conditions and borders Kenya and South Sudan. The main inhabitants of this region include the IK, Jie, Karamojong, Labwor, Nyangia, Mening, Tepeth, Pokot and Dodoth.
Most inhabitants in Karamoja practice agro-nomadic pastoralism. This practice is still vibrant despite efforts to introduce modern ways of farming in the area. The people in Karamoja believe in cattle keeping and often roam from one place to the other in search for water and pasture for their cattle.
Karamoja is one of Uganda’s & Africa’s most underdeveloped regions. The livelihood of residents is dependent on livestock keeping. Besides cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys are reared in the area.
Cultures & traditions
Karamoja is composed of multiple cultures of mainly pastoral tribes. These tribal groups are believed to have emerged from the Ethiopian highlands. These tribes are mainly of Nilotic background and they include;
- The Dodoth –these are a marginalized group, living in Kabongo area. They are most popular as the IK and occupy the summits of Mount Morungole. Getting to their community involves hiking up to 2700 meters. The IK are also referred to as the Tueso with population of about 10,000 of them left.
- The Tepeth – a pastoral group living in Moroto district. These are said to be the original occupants of the Karamoja area. They move with their cattle in the montane area of Moroto.
- The Jie –another group of cattle keepers living in Kotido District. These were the main participants in cattle rustling but this practice has been minimized following the disarmament launch in the region.
- Pokto –the cattle keepers group living in Western Baringo- Northwestern Kenya and some parts of Pokot district Northeastern Uganda. The Pokot make up part of the Kalenjin ethnic group and mainly speak the pokot language.
- Karamojong –these are the most popular cattle keepers and they live in Manyattas (villages). The Manyattas are bounded by thorns and shrubs with one entry for people.
Amazing destinations and attractions in Karamoja
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo is without doubt Karamoja’s most popular wildlife destination. Located in the extreme Northeastern side of Uganda, Kidepo protects unique wildlife and it is dubbed the Maasai Mara of Uganda for a good reason. The park was established in 1962, spanning 1442 sq.km and features abundant wildlife species.
The various wildlife species that are surviving within this park include leopards, African bush elephants, side-stripped jackals, cape buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, birds like secretary bird, ostriches, Karamoja apalis, rufous chatterer, Jackson’s hornbill, white-bellied go-away bird, pygmy falcon, grenadier and more.
Other protected areas/attractions to explore in this region include Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve, Matheniko Game Reserve, Mount Morungole, Mount Kadam, and others.
The main experiences to expect to enjoy in Karamoja include game drives in Kidepo National Park. A game drive in Kidepo rewards visitors with excellent sightings of the big game (cape buffaloes, elephants, lions, and leopards) and other species including cheetahs, hyenas, birds, jackals, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, and antelope families.
Visit the Manyattas/IK communities for authentic cultural experiences. You need adequate time to have an in-depth exploration about the Karamojong and IK, their cultures and traditions.