The Impact of Karamojong Incursions on the Socioeconomic Development of the Neighbouring Districts; A Case Study of Bunambutye Sub County, Sironko District

ABSTRACT

This study examined the impact of the Karamojong Cattle rustling on the Socio Economic Development of Sironko District, taking the case of Bunambutye Sub County. Development was treated on four dimensions of primary school education, Health service delivery, Agricultural Productivity and Infrastructural development. Using semi structured questionnaire, key informant interview and Focus Group Discussion, 205 questionnaires were recovered and interesting results were found. The findings indicated that the incursions affected primary school education in the context of displacement of the families and thus the school going pupils, health service delivery was equally affected through displacement. Divergent opinion however existed on whether the cattle rustling are indeed done by the Karamojong or other parties. The community believed the raid is done with a joint effort between the Karamojong and military forces in Uganda. The cluster settlement (along the main roads and centers) indirectly led to collapse of infrastructure since they (infrastructure) became defunct in areas witl10ut settlement. It is therefore, highly recommended that the cunent Bulambuli District Local Government pursue deliberate actions to improve educational standards and infrastructural development in the education and health sectors. A greater concern also aroused which sighted the need to  strengthen and reinforce the mandate of the regional steering body responsible for handling cases  arising from Karamojong cattle rustling. This will avert the violation of agreement by the Karamojong when granted permission to graze in the neighboring districts. The study therefore, found a strong negative impact of the Incursion on Development.