SUMMARY
The Pian, also known as the lightning or the spirit people, is a nomadic agro-pastoralist subgroup to the larger Karimojong group. The subgroup is located in the Nakapiripirit district of the Karamoja region which shares over 300km of borderline with the Republic of Kenya. Previously inhabiting the northern parts of the region, the Pian moved south to avoid raiding by opposing groups in the 1950’s. The high presence of missionaries and international aid in the south allowed the Pian to benefit from higher living standards than the majority of the Karimojong people. In a region of the world where rainfall is a rare phenomenon, education provided by the missionaries allowed for a higher exploitation of water resources and hence a more developed agriculture.
The group has managed to secure key positions both locally and nationally within the government. As a result the group holds a political advantage in quarrels with other groups in the region.
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.
The Pian Karimojong have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence
