Karimojong herders in southern Karamoja have warned that they may support opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, if the government continues to block them from grazing their cattle in the Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve. The warning came during a community dialogue held on October 4 at Loreng Sub-county, organized by kraal leader Loduk Paul Lokabaale. Young warriors expressed their anger at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for banning access to critical grazing areas.
UWA recently imposed a strict ban on grazing and other human activities within the wildlife reserve, enforcing it by driving away cattle found inside. One young herder said, “If Museveni and his government have chosen wild animals over our livelihoods that depend on cattle, let him be voted for by wild animals. We shall choose Bobi Wine as our leader.” Another, named only as Lomer, warned that continued evictions could push herders to take up arms, saying the denial of access to government-built dams like Komiriapus and Lochahar undermines their right to earn a living.
UWA officials explained that grazing in protected areas is illegal because it harms wildlife and conservation efforts. Mark Tiyan Golandi, a UWA community ranger, urged herders to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow regulated access to some conservation zones. He acknowledged that illegal grazing and poaching have worsened due to insecurity, low staffing, and low motivation among rangers, but said these challenges are being addressed.
Interestingly, none of the invited cabinet or state ministers attended the dialogue. Nakapiripirit Woman MP and Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, advised the herders not to politicize the eviction orders and encouraged them to present their grievances directly to President Yoweri Museveni during his upcoming visit. Nabilatuk Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jimmy Tebanyang called for calm, reminding the herders that UWA is enforcing government policy and warning against violence. He assured the community that the President would personally engage them on land use and grazing rights, while addressing ongoing concerns over cattle rustling in southern Karamoja.
