17th September 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government of Turkana has pledged full support for disarmament initiatives among the Ateker communities living along the shared borders of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus delivered the message during the closing ceremony of the five-day Karamoja Cultural Festival held in Nakapiripirit, Uganda.

Dr. Erus noted that authorities in Kenya and Uganda had played a pivotal role in fostering peaceful co-existence through robust resource-sharing agreements that have benefited pastoralist communities. He praised Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni for personally championing such agreements, which have enabled cross-border populations to amicably share water and pasture, easing long-standing conflicts.

“The resource-sharing agreements have allowed border populations to come together, find amicable solutions, and reduce conflicts in the area. This is commendable,” said the Deputy Governor.

He further stressed the need to build on these gains by curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms through a coordinated mass disarmament exercise, adding that the security agencies of both Kenya and Uganda deserve recognition for their role in safeguarding livelihoods along the border.

“The County Government of Turkana fully backs disarmament efforts as proposed by the respective authorities from each of the Ateker nations. This will help us eliminate illegal firearms in the region and entrench lasting peace,” he affirmed.

Dr. Erus also revealed that Turkana would continue investing in Kimormor, a one-health initiative that delivers essential services to underserved border populations and nomadic pastoralists through targeted community outreaches.

In closing, he extended an invitation to the upcoming Turkana cultural festival, Tobong’u Lore, noting that preparations were already underway and the official date would soon be announced.