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By Edward Akaki
In a bid to end the different scorching challenges in the Karamoja region, the organizing committee of the 7th Edition of Karamoja Cultural event has summoned different categories of people for dialogue on the ways forward.
This includes at least 5 members from the elders, youths, women, political leaders, religious leaders among others in each of the nine districts of Kaabong, Karenga, Moroto, Napak, Kotido, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Amudat and the host Abim.
The different categories of people will meet separately discussing how to amicably come up with solutions affecting each category in the region.
Paul Abul, secretary Karamoja Elders Association and a member of the organizing Committee of the event, says that the event is aimed at bringing unity in the region that has been torn apart by raids, famine and ethnic groups segregations.
He added that such events is focused to create togetherness among all the Karamojong, to reflect on the different cultural practices like Dressing, foods, dances, and histories. He said that this year the event comes at a time when the region is trying to recover from serious effects of drought that caused hunger and as well the looming effects of cattle rusting which calls for serious discussions from all the categories of people.
However, John Bosco Akore, the secretary of Kotido Elders Council, says that he and other elders from Kotido have decided to boycott the event saying the region is suffering and its not time for enjoyment but working hard through meetings with all elders in the region.
He added that most of the people who go for the event have a mindset of luxury only and their is always a lot of fornication and adultery committed over the course of the event which is not acceptable.
When asked on the decision of the secretary Kotido Elders Association to boycott the event, Paul Abul said attending the event is not by force but by will and that those who feel like missing do not love their culture as this is the only opportunity to showcase it to the world.
The ongoing Karamoja Cultural event is expected to come to a climax on Saturday, 3rd September 2022 and it is yet to be known if all the elders from Kotido will follow the words of the secretary to boycott the event.
