By Joseph Mary Buwule
KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at promoting resilience, sustainable development, peace, and economic transformation in the Karamoja sub-region.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting between the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, and Joselyn Bigirwa, the Head of Mission to Uganda for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
Held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala, the engagement focused on deepening cooperation in critical sectors that are considered central to improving livelihoods and ensuring long-term stability in Karamoja.
Among the key areas discussed were building community resilience against climate-related shocks, restoring degraded land, strengthening livestock development, enhancing peace and security, and advancing sustainable development initiatives throughout the region.
Karamoja, one of Uganda’s most climate-vulnerable regions, continues to face recurring droughts, environmental degradation, food insecurity, and livelihood challenges. Government and development partners have increasingly shifted their focus toward long-term resilience-building programmes that combine environmental conservation, improved livestock production, conflict prevention, and socio-economic development.
During the discussions, both the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs and IGAD emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing these challenges through coordinated interventions and regional cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their partnership and shared commitment to advancing resilience and sustainable development in Karamoja through joint planning, technical cooperation, and continued support for programmes that improve the well-being of communities across the sub-region.
The engagement was also attended by Mr. Tonny Ameny, the Assistant Commissioner for Karamoja Affairs, Mr. Innocent Ndahirwe from IGAD, and other technical officers from both institutions, who discussed practical approaches to implementing the agreed priorities.
The renewed partnership is expected to further strengthen ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods, enhance environmental sustainability, support livestock-based economies, and promote lasting peace and stability in Karamoja as Uganda continues to work with regional partners to accelerate inclusive development in the sub-region.