Authorities in Greater Kapoeta have met with humanitarian and development organisations to coordinate upcoming peace dialogues aimed at preventing resource-driven conflict during the ongoing dry season. The high-level meeting was convened by the mayor of Kapoeta Municipality alongside county commissioners from across the region. The discussions focused on mobilising support for extensive peace awareness campaigns across key pastoralist corridors.
The meeting, which took place on September 8, 2026, brought together government leaders and partners to address the challenges posed by the severe drought. According to a release from the Kapoeta press unit, the peace dialogues and awareness campaigns will be conducted in various areas, including Kimatong, Kidepo Valley, Ngauro, Kapoeta East, and parts of Torit County. These areas have been identified as strategic grazing and watering grounds where communities and their herds gather during prolonged severe droughts.
The peace initiatives aim to target areas where traditional grazing patterns have shifted significantly due to acute water shortages and depleted pasture. Communities from different areas, alongside cross-border Turkana pastoralists from neighbouring Kenya, have moved into shared territory in search of water and pasture for their cattle. Local leaders emphasise that proactive dialogue is essential to prevent friction and ensure safe, peaceful coexistence among the intermingled herds.
During the meeting, government leaders called on humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations, and development partners to provide financial and in-kind support. The assistance will directly facilitate field delegations travelling to remote cattle kraals and villages to conduct peace sensitisations and establish local dispute-resolution mechanisms. This support will be crucial in preventing cattle-related conflicts throughout the region during the dry spell.
Local authorities noted that securing these joint grazing areas through timely dialogue is vital to protecting livelihoods, maintaining security, and preventing conflicts. The peace dialogues and awareness campaigns will help to promote understanding and cooperation among the different communities, reducing the risk of violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The mayor of Kapoeta Municipality and county commissioners are leading the efforts to coordinate the peace dialogues and awareness campaigns. They are working closely with humanitarian and development organisations to ensure that the initiatives are successful and sustainable. The meeting has provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for promoting peace and stability in the region.
The peace initiatives in Greater Kapoeta are a critical step towards preventing resource-driven conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities. The success of these initiatives will depend on the support of humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations, and development partners. With timely dialogue and cooperation, the region can mitigate the risks associated with the dry season and protect the livelihoods of communities.
Key points
- Authorities in Greater Kapoeta have convened a meeting with humanitarian and development organisations to coordinate peace dialogues and prevent resource-driven conflict during the dry season.
- The peace dialogues and awareness campaigns will target strategic grazing and watering grounds, including Kimatong, Kidepo Valley, Ngauro, Kapoeta East, and parts of Torit County.
- Local leaders emphasise that proactive dialogue is essential to prevent friction and ensure safe, peaceful coexistence among the intermingled herds.
