The Lion, the Leopard, the Hyena and the Fox: Pastoralist Researchers on the Uganda/Kenya Border

Abstract

We are continuing from our previous book, One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Pastoralist Researchers on the Uganda/Kenya Border. That book showed the insecurity in Karamoja and Turkana in 2023. When we showed the first book to the government officials in Karamoja and Kam pala, they said, it’s a very nice thing. When we gave it to the Turkana County Government and Members of Parlia ment, they also complimented it. In the face of the problems, pastoralist leaders have decided a new strategy. This second book records what we learned from May 2023 to March 2024. For instance, a new Brigade Commander was appointed to Kotido. He had sittings with young people. He came among them, not like any other soldier to be feared. He found people, he sat, he shared. Even the warriors who feared the army were willing to meet him. In this book we characterise governments, security forces, raiders and thieves as animals who live among us. When we are living with lions, leopards, hyenas, and foxes in the bush, we get to know them and how they live. Then we assess ourselves. Are we the ones that are confusing the animals and causing any of them to act dangerously? It is as if we have been trying to attack these animals, but they have escaped us. We look at our own skills, strengths, and weaknesses. What energy do we have? It is not an easy thing to move from here. We must find ways to coax these animals to bring them to good relations with us.