The long- term conflict of the border line between Teso and Karamoja is soon reaching its final fate after a select delegation of leaders from both regions travelled to London early this week to access the colonial times maps.
By yesterday [Wednesday 28th August, 2019], colonial times maps for the two communities were accessed from both the British library and the National Archives.
Our news sources disclose that today [Thursday 29th August, 2019], a delegation of leaders from both communities together with the ministry of Lands housing and urban development shall thump print on the photocopied maps that were carried from Uganda for comparison.
The delegation that travelled to London is comprised of Hon Betty Amongi, minister for Lands housing and urban development who is leader of delegation, Hon Moses Kizige, state minister for karamoja, Hon Agnes Akiror state minister for Teso Affairs, Hon Peter Ogwang Mp Usuk County and Commissioner of Parliament, Hon Violet Akurut Adome Woman Mp Katakwi District, Hon Namoe Stella Woman Mp Napak district, Hon Terence Acia Sodium Mp Bokora County in Napak, Mr. Kitata a geologist at the ministry of lands who is the technical person, H. E Leonard Mugerwa who is the Deputy Ambassador at the High Commission in London.
Why the Journey to London?
Early this year, protests were started after government on Wednesday 13th February, 2019 opened up demarcations and declared Alekilek area which was known to be under Napak under Katakwi.
Several people including one police officers were seriously injured during running battles residents wanted government to work with elders who know the issues of the border rather than politicians.
Members of parliament from Karamoja region disputed the border demarcation between Napak in Karamoja sub region and Katakwi in Teso subregion with claims that they contradict with the 1958 boundaries declared by British.
The borderlines were adopted by the Ugandan government at the time of independence in 1962.
Like most borders in Africa, the one between the communities was created, drawn in maps and introduced by colonial governments. The borderlines were adopted by the Ugandan government at the time of independence in 1962.
The biggest border contention has been the Alekilek and Amaratoit villages plus Aiselem Market and Poron areas.
More updates on what transpires will be published here after the final judgment of the right borderline on 1st September, 2019.
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