Nabilatuk, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reassured local pastoralists in the Karamoja sub-region that they will continue grazing their livestock in the Pian Upe Game Reserve, as government conducts consultations to resolve the long-standing conflict between herders and conservation authorities.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, made the directive while addressing residents of Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk Districts during his mobilization rallies on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Mr. Museveni said he had received reports that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) had recently barred herders from accessing the reserve, sparking renewed tension among the Karamojong.
“I was told that UWA stopped you from grazing in Pian Upe. I said no — let them continue grazing as we discuss and find a permanent solution,” Museveni told cheering crowds. “You should graze until we meet with your elders and agree on the correct way forward.”
The President emphasized that tourism and pastoralism must coexist peacefully, noting that Karamoja’s vast grasslands can support both if properly managed. He cited examples from Karenga and Kaabong, where tourism has coexisted with community livelihoods without conflict.
“Tourism is also good for our area here,” he said. “We can discuss all this; it should not be a point of conflict.”
Museveni directed his staff to convene a meeting involving elders, conservation agencies, and the army to discuss a balanced approach that safeguards both environmental conservation and community livelihoods.
Museveni Reaffirms NRM’s Commitment to Karamoja’s Transformation
The President reiterated his government’s commitment to peace, wealth creation, and job opportunities in Karamoja, describing them as the pillars of the NRM’s 40-year legacy. “We have brought peace and development,” Museveni said. “Now we must ensure that our people have wealth (Abaru) and jobs (Etich). That is how we will truly transform Karamoja.”
The Pian Upe Game Reserve, one of Uganda’s largest conservation areas, has been a flashpoint of contention for decades. While conservationists warn of environmental degradation, residents argue that restricted access to grazing land threatens their pastoral livelihoods.
Museveni’s latest directive offers temporary relief to the herders, signaling government’s renewed attention to balancing conservation with community needs.
Maama Janet Urges Unity and Appreciation of Peace
Uganda’s First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, commended the Karamojong for their hospitality and urged them to safeguard the peace achieved under the NRM government.
“Thank you for receiving us with the traditional warmth and love of the Karamojong people that I cherish so much,” she said. “You know very well that the government of NRM is your government, because God has used it to bring peace to Karamoja — peace that is now enjoyed by the whole of Uganda.”
Mrs Museveni reminded residents of the difficult years when Karamoja depended on food aid and applauded the region’s progress toward food security through NRM interventions.
“The leap that NRM is striving for now will ensure that Karamojong families live better, build decent homes, and secure their children’s future,” she said. “We must protect the peace we have and work together for the next generation.”
Both the President and the First Lady underscored that sustainable peace and development in Karamoja will depend on community cooperation, responsible land use, and continued investment in education, livestock production, and agribusiness.
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