By Lodu William Odiya
Authorities in Greater Kapoeta met today with humanitarian and development organisations to coordinate upcoming peace dialogues aimed at preventing resource-driven conflict during the ongoing dry season.
According to a release from the Kapoeta press unit, the high-level meeting was convened by the mayor of Kapoeta Municipality alongside county commissioners from across the region.
Discussions cantered on mobilising support for extensive peace awareness campaigns across key pastoralist corridors where communities and their herds gather during prolonged severe droughts.
“Today, 8 September 2026, the Mayor of Kapoeta Municipality, together with County Commissioners, met with humanitarian and development partners operating in Greater Kapoeta to discuss upcoming peace dialogue initiatives,” the statement partly read.
The peace dialogues and awareness campaigns will be conducted in various areas, including Kimatong, Kidepo Valley, Ngauro, Kapoeta East, and parts of Torit County where all livestock are grazing.
The peace initiatives would target strategic grazing and watering grounds, including Kimatong, Kidepo Valley, Ngauro, Kapoeta East, and parts of neighbouring Torit County.
Due to acute water shortages and depleted pasture, traditional grazing patterns have shifted significantly.
Communities from different areas alongside cross-border Turkana pastoralists from neighbouring Kenya have moved into shared territory in search of water and pasture for their cattle.
Local leaders emphasise that proactive dialogue is essential to prevent friction and ensure safe, peaceful coexistence among the intermingled herds.
During the meeting, government leaders called on humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations, and development partners to provide financial and in-kind support.
The assistance will directly facilitate field delegations travelling to remote cattle kraals and villages to conduct peace sensitisations and establish local dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Local authorities noted that securing these joint grazing areas through timely dialogue is vital to protecting livelihoods, maintaining security, and preventing cattle-related conflicts throughout the region during the dry spell.