Regional leaders unite for peace and prosperity in semi-arid borderlands
KARENGA, April 24, 2025 – Regional leaders from Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan and other stakeholders gathered in Karenga district for a pivotal transboundary meeting themed “Sowing Synergy, Harvesting Harmony: Catalyzing Peace and Development in the Uganda-Kenya-South Sudan Borderlands”, focused on addressing insecurity, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment.
The two-day meeting held recently brought together representatives from the three nations and 15 non-governmental organisations to lay the foundation for long-term peace and prosperity in the semi-arid region.
Building peace across borders
Chairing the meeting, Lotukei Nyangnoe Ridgers Amuge, Payam Administrator from South Sudan, stressed the urgency of ending violence. “We are neighbours. We need peace. Only through peace can we stop the theft and build connections through better infrastructure for our pastoralists,” he said.
Felix Mark Lochale, Karenga district LCV Chairperson, highlighted the region’s economic potential. “Climate change is real, but regional markets can drive trade and development. Let’s make sure Karenga is included in regional plans,” he urged.
Leaders from Kotido acknowledged the destructive impact of cattle raids, admitting: “It is us killing ourselves.” They called for unity and protection of the most vulnerable.
Amudat district LCV Chairperson, John Nangole echoed this call, urging an end to violence. “The answer is among us. Let’s redirect our resources from raids to development,” he said.
Mary Jino Mario, LCV Chairperson of Kaabong district, demanded a shift in focus. “Other regions talk about education and development. We are still discussing peace and raiding. It’s time to change this narrative.”
From Kenya, Turkana MP Hillary Titus Lokwang emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation. “Our communities share more than borders, they share cultures and livelihoods. Le t’s build bridges, not barriers.”
MP Lokwang Hilary added, “We are permanent neighbours. We must work together—through roads, communications, and shared policies to promote trade and stability.”
Joint effort from civil society
Fifteen organisations, including Mercy Corps, Saferworld, Center for Conflict Resolution [CECORE], Agribusiness Development Centre [ADC], and others, contributed to the dialogue, promoting community-led peacebuilding, resource sharing, and sustainable development.
Audo Susan, Programme Manager for Mercy Corps, noted: “Peace is the foundation for resilience. Through partnerships, we can help communities thrive despite the challenges.”
Jesca Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of Nakere Rural Women Activists [NARWOA], stressed grassroots empowerment: “Our communities hold the solutions. Sustainable programmes and unity can bring lasting change.”
Key resolutions
Participants agreed on a series of resolutions aimed at improving stability and development in the region:
Peacebuilding: Establish joint grazing and trading zones, cultural and sports exchanges, and eliminate cattle raiding and illegal arms.
Economic empowerment: Revitalise markets, improve roads, and expand access to financial services, particularly in underserved areas like Karenga.
Youth & community development: Promote education, alternative livelihoods, and transparency in resource sharing to build trust.
Social Infrastructure: Invest in schools, dams, health centres, and empower traditional leaders to enhance local security systems.
A Shared vision for the future
Closing the meeting, MP Lokwang called for action: “Our future depends on peace and prosperity. We are interconnected, and only together can we address insecurity, poverty, and climate change.”
Supported by Mercy Corps, ADC, and others, the dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment to progress. With cooperation and sustained effort, the borderlands now have a historic opportunity to transform long-standing challenges into a future of shared growth.
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