SUMMARY
The Matheniko is a nomadic agro-pastoralist subgroup to the larger Karimojong Group. The Karimojong as an entity are part of an ethnic group referred to as Plains Nilotes, which spread from the Lake Turkana area in Kenya in three directions: one into Kenya and Tanzania, (including the Massai); one to what is now southern Sudan; and one into Uganda (aside from the Karimojong also including the Iteso, Jie, Dodoth, and Turkana). The Karimojong group is in turn divided into three distinct sub-groups; the Bokora, Pian and Matheniko. Whereas these three sub-groups historically shared an overarching Karimojong identity, most analysts agree that this has now been completely eroded. Instead, present-day relationships between the three sub-groups is oftentimes characterised by fierce inter-group conflict and competition over the same water and forage resources. Violence is mainly characterised by cattle raiding.
The Matheniko, located in the Moroto district of the Ugandan Karamoja region, is generally considered to be the most violent Karimojong subgroup. In fact, the group was the first to use modern weapons in the traditional cattle raids as well as the first to attack other Karimojong tribes, a practice previously forbidden by tribal laws. The modern weapons were acquired during the ouster of former dictator Idi Amin in the late 1970s, when the group raided a weapons depot in Moroto, gaining access to thousands of AK-47 assault rifles. Ever since, the Matheniko has remained one of the most heavily armed tribes of the Karimojong cluster. Furthermore, by changing weapons for cattle and by relying on their military superiority, the Matheniko has obtained the greatest cattle wealth in the region.
Leadership in the group is organised by an age grade system. The elder are the only legitimate decision-makers responsible for governing the group. They are also the key designers of organised raids against other groups. At the same time, they play an important part in peace negotiations after the raids by holding ceremonies and offering compensations. Although tribal relations have deteriorated by decades of intertribal cattle raids, alliances within the Karimojong cluster still do occur. Indeed, in periods of heavy drought or when threatened by a stronger enemy, the combined strength of several tribes can assure survival. Subsequently, alliances are often brief and limited to periods of common difficulties. However, the Matheniko does have a longstanding alliance with the heavily armed Turkana, an ethnic group located in the western regions of Kenya. The alliance was allegedly forged in the early 1970’s and has since been reinforced by years of weapons exchanges.
The Matheniko Karimojong have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence
