SUMMARY

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. Leadership 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.

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