KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya and Uganda have intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve a cross-border dispute linked to the 2022 Moroto incident that led to the arrest and detention of Turkana herdsmen in Uganda.
The discussions were held in Kampala and brought together senior officials from both governments, led by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe and Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo.
The meeting also included Hon. John Munyes Kiyong’a, Kenya’s Special Presidential Envoy for the Ateker Region, alongside Turkana leaders and representatives from both governments.
Focus on the 2022 Moroto incident
The talks centred on the aftermath of violence in Moroto District in 2022, where Ugandan authorities accused Turkana herdsmen of involvement in the killing of Ugandan citizens.
The incident led to the detention of several Kenyan herders, who remain in Ugandan correctional facilities.
Officials said the engagement is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the matter through diplomatic and legal channels.
Follow-up to presidential engagement
The Kampala meeting followed earlier direct discussions between President William Ruto and President Yoweri Museveni.
Kenyan officials described the talks as a continuation of high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at easing tensions and addressing cross-border pastoralist conflicts.
Ugandan officials reportedly welcomed Kenya’s decision to appoint a special envoy and pursue structured dialogue on the issue.
Compensation and peace framework
According to statements from the meeting, Uganda acknowledged Kenya’s commitment to the “Okukaraba” blood settlement framework, which is linked to compensation arrangements for victims’ families.
Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding and Resource Sharing Agreement governing pastoralist access to water and pasture across the border.
The framework covers communities including the Turkana, Teso, Pokot, and Karamojong, with a focus on reducing recurring conflicts driven by drought and resource competition.
Broader regional cooperation
Officials said the agreement is aimed at strengthening long-term peace-building mechanisms while promoting sustainable resource sharing in the Ateker region.
Uganda’s Vice President, alongside senior ministers and East African Community Affairs officials, attended the talks, reflecting the high-level political attention given to the matter.
Kenya was represented by diplomats, Turkana County leaders, and members of the National Assembly, signalling a coordinated national approach.
Push for lasting stability
The discussions are part of broader efforts to reduce cross-border tensions and strengthen cooperation between pastoralist communities along the Kenya–Uganda border.
Authorities from both countries say they remain committed to diplomatic engagement as the preferred pathway to resolving historical grievances and preventing future conflicts.
