By Alfred Ogwang
Karamoja cultural association that is charged with the responsibility of organizing the Karamoja cultural event Napak chapter is hoping to establish a council of elders to oversee the affairs of Karamoja.
Currently the region has a highly decentralized system of governance where elders run the affairs within their communities.
John Paul Kodet the Napak district chairperson told our reporters during our visit to the district recently that the association hopes to put in place that council of elders when the event comes to an end so that Karamoja issues are handled better.
According to Kodet this council of elders will be expected to unite the Karimojong tribe and also summon and advice leaders and other responsible authorities when need arises.
Dr Mark Ilukol a researcher from Kangole town says that there is a disconnect between the current system of governance in Karamoja and that of the central government and there is need for a high breed cultural institution to bridge that gap.
Lochap Alfred Lowot, the deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Napak who also doubles as the chairperson for this year’s cultural event says this is meant to foster unity among the Karimojong people.
The event that kicks of today under the theme: PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL IDENTITY AND DIVERSITY FOR DIGNIFIED AND RESILIENT FUTURE is expected to attract over ten thousand people from the different parts of Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
