Uganda - Life in Moroto District

I have been working in northern Uganda in the districts of Moroto, Gulu, Pader and Kitgum to assess child labor and child trafficking in the region for the United States Department of Labor - more of that in subsequent blogs. Here I'll discuss my reflections on life in Moroto District.

Moroto District is in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda. Much attention has been drawn to the dramatic impact the violence has had on children and youth. The most prominent feature of the conflict has been the abduction by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) of an estimated 24,000–38,000 children (approximately 20% of whom were girls) to serve as porters, cooks, and combatants. The LRA have recently moved out of the region to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Government of Uganda has ordered a relinquishment of guns and weapons over the past two years.

A mortality survey in 2005 found violence to be the third most common cause of death in the Karamoja region. While young males were the primary victims, children under the age of 15 constituted 17% of casualties. The reported deficit in males and the disproportionate number of children in the population suggests an abundance of female and child-headed households. Women and girls have faced risks of sexual violence within their own communities. A 2005 study of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in one of the largest camps for the internally displaced persons (IDP), found the majority of cases of sexual or gender-based violence reported to the police or health center involved girls aged 13-17 years.

The Karamoja region is made up of five districts: Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kotido, Kaabong and Abim. The region is home to the Karamojong who are comprised of nine ethnic groups constituting approximately 1.1 million people. The Karamojong maintain a nomadic agro-pastoralist lifestyle with social, economic and even religious activities revolving around cattle. Maintaining strong traditions, Karamojong communities live in cluster villages of 50-200 households called manyattas, comprising mostly women, the elderly, and children. Men and male youth spend most of their time grazing animals in encampments called kraals, usually at great distances from home. Manyattas are close-knit, patriarchal, and led by elders. Hence, the first thing that struck me in Moroto was the high proportion of elderly citizens. The youth respect the elders and often I saw young children helping their frail aged relatives or guardians across the street.

Karamoja has the lowest socio-economic indicators and the lowest human development index of any region in Uganda. About 70% of its population lives below the poverty line—twice the national average. The region also has the highest rates of mortality, illiteracy, malnutrition, orphans, and the fastest growing HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the nation. At the same time, it has the lowest levels of education, access to water, sanitation and social services. Over 80% of children in the region have no access to information (newspaper, radio, television or phone). However, the Karamojong understanding of poverty is unique; wealth is found in the number of cattle owned by a family, and indicators of monetized economic systems have little relevance.

The conflict has led to an increase of poverty in the region, compounded by competing livelihoods, diminishing natural resources, the breakdown of traditional values and easy access to weaponry. The result has been the emergence of a chronic conflict characterized by cattle raiding, inter-tribal clashes and banditry. The population has become increasingly vulnerable to violence and displacement. The proliferation of small arms has changed the nature of cattle raiding from a small-scale, traditionally accepted activity to an extremely violent practice. It has also undermined the customary authority of elders and there is a lack of law enforcement to settle the conflicts peacefully. Failure to understand the Karamojong and their lifestyles and values and the fact that many households and communities are mobile or remote, has left the region isolated and marginalized, with limited protection, aid and development from both national and international organizations.

Children and youth in the Karamoja region are particularly vulnerable because they are exposed to risk of violent conflict, abuse and exploitation. There are high numbers of orphans, children affected by HIV/AIDS, neglected children, juveniles, children with disabilities, street children, wounded, and malnoursished children. Inter-clan disputes contribute to poor security, and children often get caught in the cross-fire while herding and walking long distances to schools.

District officials have limited capacity to document, follow-up on and address child protection issues due to severe lack of resources and support. A key concern is the lack of productive livelihood opportunities for older adolescents and youth, creating a high risk of idleness that often leads to frustration and violence. Currently, there are no significant programs for youth livelihoods in Karamoja.

However, with departure of the LRA and a settling of conflict, many donor organizations have moved into the region and local government officials are keen to move their region forward. But there are many challenges - the district has for many years been neglected and resources are limited, the region is hot, dry and dusty and is constantly at risk of drought.

I arrived in Moroto by small plane from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. With the influx of humanitarian groups and the US marines, there is a constant shortage of accommodation. The hotel was basic - cold water showers, limited choice of food, and limited generator power. But permanent brick constructions are plentiful, as Moroto was one of the original 21 districts in Uganda with government infrastructure. Construction is increasing - to re-build government systems and to house humanitarian groups.

Although once suspicious of new-comers, due to failed promises of previous humanitarian groups and missionaries, gradually they are again receiving help. Education was once discouraged - many elders feared that once the youth were educated, then they would leave the area - but recently the schools have seen increased enrollments. The issue is now to continue enrollment, improve education quality, retain children in school, and reduce the number of drop-outs. A large proportion of children in exploitative labor are being returned to school. The District Education Office, the Labor Office, and the Office of Probation and Social Welfare, are working hard to restore basic education to the youth amid limited resources. But I am encouraged at their efforts.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).