KENYA-UGANDA CROSS-BORDERS COMMUNAL CONFLICTS: AN INTEROGATION

This study is an interrogation of communal conflicts across the Kenya-Uganda borders. It examines the dynamics of the conflicts and how it has impacted on the Karamoja cluster areas. The Karamoja–Turkana communities also known as Karamoja cluster areas has history of cross border communal conflicts that span over decades and is characterized by large-scale livestock raiding, natural resources and environmental related conflicts. The conflict poses serious challenge to peace and stability of the East African sub-region, and has had serious impacts on the socio-economic and political development of Kenya and Uganda. Secondary sources of data collection were used and data was contently analyzed. Cross-border conflicts management theory is used as the intellectual framework of analysis. The study finds that the conflict is driven by a complex interplay of factors including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and inter-communal tensions. The paper posits that several approaches have been employed in trying to resolve and manage the conflicts without positive results. And recommends the application of cross-border conflicts management approach which would include: collaborative efforts of the governments of Kenya and Uganda, concerned local stakeholders and relevant Civil Society Organization. The paper argues for security operatives of both countries to synergize and share intelligence information to enable them stem the spread and proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the area, to strategically monitored, evaluated and prevent further escalations of the conflicts.