SUMMARY

The Sabiny, also known as the Sebei, is an agro-pastoralist subgroup to the highland Nilotics. The tribe is located in the Kapchorwa district, just south of the Karamoja region in north-eastern Uganda. The government of Uganda estimates the tribe to consist of 25 000 people which is less than 0.6% of the total population. Previously inhabiting the border regions of neighbouring Kenya, the Sabiny were forced to migrate in the 19th century due to border demarcations and constant attacks from the Bantu tribes of Kenya.

The Sabiny are organised in a series of unnamed clans which live together in groups. Each clan is governed by a group of elders responsible for the protection and the well-being of the tribe. Daily survival is mostly ensured by pastoralism and a small agricultural production. Although most customs resemble those of the main tribes of northeaster Uganda, the Sabiny are often distinguished by the controversial practise of female circumcision. Furthermore, the tribe is closely related to the Pokot tribe in Kenya. Alliances between the Sabiny and the Pokot are therefore common when threatened by tribes from the Karamoja region or during periods of drought. As cattle is valued above all else, relations with other tribes are often limited to violent raids and armed clashes.

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