KENYATTA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND POLITICAL STUDIES THE GENESIS, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT OF CATTLE RUSTLING IN TESO SUB-REGION, 1600-2001: A CASE OF KATAKWI DISTRICT, UGANDA. BY JOHN AMODOI OKOBOI A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILLOSOPHY IN HISTORY OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY JUNE 2016 ii DECLARATION This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University. Signature: .................................................................. DATE: .................................. John Amodoi Okoboi BA/ED (HONS), MED – (C82/15722/05) Supervisors: This work was submitted for examination with our approval as University Supervisors. 1. Signature: ................................................ Date: ............................................. Prof. Samson Omwoyo Department of Social Studies, Religion and Community Development, Maasai Mara University. 2. Signature: ................................................ Date: ............................................. Dr. Pius W. Kakai Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies, Kenyatta University. iii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my wife, Rebecca Okoboi, for the painful emotional stress she went through in the early years of our marriage. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she stood by my side at the time I nearly died in 1984. “Be strong, for the fruits of your suffering are here.” iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In the first place, I do appreciate from the bottom of my heart, the role played by the management of Kyambogo University and Kenyatta University for signing a memorandum of understanding that enabled me to register for Doctoral study in Kenyatta University. Even when I missed the opportunity for a Fulbright Scholarship, I found this a consolation. In the same vein, I do appreciate the words of encouragement from my colleagues in Kyambogo University whose inspiration motivated me to study and to carry on even when I felt discouraged. These included Prof. Opuda- Asibo, Prof. William Epeju, Dr. Nathan S. Senkomago, Dr. Cyprian Adupa, Dr. Elisabeth Kyazike, Filda Ojok, Daniel Ndawula, Dr. James Magezi, Dr. Yokana Ogola, John Baptist Okware and others. I am deeply indebted to my supervisors, Prof. Samson Omwoyo and Dr. Pius W. Kakai for their professionalism, patience and mature guidance that I received from them. Their comments and corrections were a big push in shaping this thesis in the right direction. May God reward you abundantly. I am also grateful to my research assistants Venasio Edeket, a retired Agricultural Officer and Emmanuel Ocepa for traversing the counties of Magoro, Ngariam, Ongongoja (in Katakwi district) and Acowa, Kapelebyong and Wera (in Amuria district) administering oral interviews and organising Focused Group Discussions with respondents. They did a commendable job. I would like to particularly thank John v Robert Ekongot the Local Council (LC) V Chairman of Katakwi district, for receiving me with open hands, Mathew Olemo, the District Planner (Katakwi distict), Angella Atim, the District Education Officer (Katakwi district) and Michael Richard Orwanga, the Inspector of Schools (Amuria district) for giving me valuable information. On a special note I extend my gratitude to Simon Okanya, the Principal Personnel Officer (Soroti district), for giving me access to Soroti District Archives. I should not forget some of the elders that I interviewed for giving me valuable information. These among others were Naboth Oduc, a retired teacher, Nico O. Akwang, a former Sub- County Chief and Eugenio Osele, a peasant farmer. I am deeply grateful to my wife Rebecca Okoboi and children: Leah Amuron, Sam Okoboi, James Mudidi, Ann Rhoda Agwang and Ignatius Eli Odongo for withstanding the difficult financial times when at times there was no “good” meal on their plate. My wife’s words of encouragement were always “You will finish”. I am particularly thankful to my son, James Mudidi, for his helping hand in computer work. vi ABSTRACT This study examined the genesis, development and impact of cattle rustling in Teso sub- region in the period 1600-2001. It analysed the early history of the Iteso, origins of cattle rustling, the causes of cattle rustling, the changing dimensions of cattle rustling and the impact of cattle rustling on the people of Katakwi district. A case of Katakwi district was taken because of its proximity to Karamoja sub-region where the rustlers came from. In analysing the genesis, development and impact of cattle rustling in Teso sub-region, the theories of social conflict, ecological and materialist paradigms were applicable. The study considered cattle rustling as a form of conflict brought about by ecological factors and materialist gains. The descriptive survey research design was applicable in the study because the information collected from respondents, archives and secondary sources was analysed as regards the genesis, development and impact of cattle rustling in Teso sub- region. The study revealed that the Iteso and the Karimojong originated from South West Abbyssinia (Ethiopia) where they had once lived together as pastoralists. The two communities migrated into Karamoja where they separated in about 1620s. The study found that the separation of the Iteso and Karimojong partly contributed to stealing of Teso cattle by the Karimojong because the Iteso had moved with the cattle from Karamoja. The burning of the carcasses of the Karimojong captured cattle in 1952 largely sparked cattle rustling in Katakwi district as a wayof revenge.The acquisition of modern weapons ( machine guns) escalated cattle rustling especially in the 1980s. This changing dimension from using traditional weapons (spears, bows and arrows, clubs) to modern ones adversely affected the socio-economic and political development in the area of study. Though cattle rustling had been brought about by ecological disparities between Teso and Karamoja sub-regions thereby leading to conflict, this was overshadowed by materialist gain in the post-independence period. The study is significant as it contributes to the growing historiography of cattle rustling within the East African region and Uganda specifically. The study is also significant to the policy makers who cherish the value of peace and living in harmony in North-Eastern Uganda, Uganda as a whole and East Africa in general. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................ iv ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................vii LIST OF MAPS..............................................................................................................................x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..................................................................... xi LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................... xiv LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................... xv DEFINITION OF TERMS ......................................................................................................... xvi GLOSSARY..............................................................................................................................xviii CHAPTER ONE............................................................................................................................1 1.0 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1 1.1 Background to the Study......................................................................................................1 1.1.1 The Teso Sub-Region ......................................................................................................... 15 1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................... 22 1.3 Objectives of the Study ...................................................................................................... 23 1.4 Research Premises .............................................................................................................. 23 1.5 Justification and Significance of the Study ........................................................................ 24 1.6 The Scope and Limitations of the study .............................................................................. 24 1.7 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework .................................................................. 25 1.7.1 Review of Related Literature..............................................................................................35 1.7.2 Theoretical Framework.......................................................................................................45