SUMMARY

The Iteso is one of the largest ethnic groups in Uganda making up an estimated 8% of the total population. Originating from southern Sudan, the group migrated to northeastern Uganda in two phases in the mid-17th century. Although the first wave of migration was peaceful, the second wave was aggressive and resulted in the group gaining control of a vast territory spreading from north-eastern Uganda to the bordering regions of western Kenya. As the years went by, control of the area was lost to opposing tribes and subsequently Iteso groups located in Uganda and Kenya were separated. Due to inter-marriages between the Iteso and other tribes, the separated groups also became culturally different. As a result, Iteso groups located in the Soroti District of Uganda are today called northern Iteso while the remaining groups located in the southern districts of Uganda and the western parts of Kenya are called the southern Iteso.

Unlike the neighboring Karimojong tribes, the Iteso have never been nomadic but have relied on agriculture and keeping smaller amounts of livestock. However, numerous cattle-raids by the Karimojong have decreased cattle ownership drastically and the tribe is today undernourished due to the lack of milk and meat. Many tribe-members have further abandoned the traditional way of life and moved to the more urbanized areas.

The Iteso have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence