Devastating Fire Set by Karamojong Herdsmen Destroys UGX 400M Property in Katakwi

Summary:

• Moses Itetit, the LC3 chairperson of Ngariam Sub-County, confirmed that over 400 houses—including former UPDF barracks that were vacated due to floods—have been burned across 14 villages in the parishes of Osep and Oedepus. Villages affected include Teso, Timong, and Osep.

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KATAKWI: During a visit to Osep and Oedepus parishes on January 17, 2024, local authorities met with Karamojong herders to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that has left a trail of destruction.

Moses Itetit, the LC3 chairperson of Ngariam Sub-County, confirmed that over 400 houses—including former UPDF barracks that were vacated due to floods—have been burned across 14 villages in the parishes of Osep and Oedepus. Villages affected include Teso, Timong, and Osep.

Itetit estimated the total loss of property to be over UGX 400 million, citing the destruction of homes, food, clothing, construction materials, and garden equipment.

“A single house costs approximately UGX 500,000 to build. With 400 houses burned, that alone sums up to UGX 200 million, while other property losses account for another UGX 200 million,” Itetit explained.

A Karamojong herdsman, identified only as Lotee, admitted that he and 70 other herdsmen intentionally set the fire to clear bushland, unaware that it would spread uncontrollably and destroy homes.

Fabiano Oluka, a resident of Osep Parish whose house was reduced to ashes, expressed despair over his losses. “All my stored groundnuts and cassava have been destroyed. I now survive by doing casual labor to feed my family,” he lamented.

Another victim, Robert Okori, shared that he lost property worth UGX 1.5 million. He is currently buying food from nearby Adipala and Ocorimongin markets while sheltering in the neighboring Acanga community.

Okori, along with other victims, is appealing to the government for assistance, including food aid, iron sheets, road repairs, and borehole drilling.

Michael Opiok, LC2 chairperson of Osep Parish, described the situation as a double tragedy. “First, floods destroyed our crops, and now this fire has wiped out what little we had left,” he said.

In response to the disaster, local leaders have resolved to bar the Karamojong herders from grazing in the area unless a formal agreement is reached between Karamoja and Katakwi Districts to regulate access to pasture and water. Sub-county officials have also decided to redeploy in the region to prevent unauthorized grazing.

Meanwhile, Katakwi District LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo stated that his office is working with local authorities to compile accurate data on the affected individuals. He urged residents to avoid bush burning, emphasizing the need to prevent such disasters in the future.

As the victims struggle to rebuild their lives, the call for immediate government intervention has grown louder.

From food relief to infrastructure development, the people of Ngariam Sub-County are counting on support to recover from the catastrophic losses they have endured.