Boosting Cultural tourism in Karamoja

Karamoja sub-region is a region in north-eastern Uganda comprising of the five districts of Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripirit.

Uganda’s land of warrior nomads stretches across an isolated corner of Africa named after the people who have there lived for centuries:  the Karimojong of Karamoja.
 
To its east stands the Rift Valley escarpment towering over the Kenyan plains and scrubland.  To the north lie the pristine basin of Kidepo National Park and also a mountainous vastness that leads into the Sudan.  Similarly, to the south, there are the rugged peaks of Mount Elgon National Park, which were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. 

Proud of their traditional way of life as semi-nomadic herders, Karamoja leaders have started building a museum in Moroto District to boost tourism in the sub-region.
According to the Moroto LCV Chairman, Mr. Ken Lochap, the construction and furnishing the museum is being funded by France.
“We have already received the first amount towards the construction of the museum from France and we have started the construction,” Mr. Lochap said.
The museum is located near Mt. Moroto. Mr. Ken Lochap said that Shs54 million is expected to be released for the project and so far half of the money had been released.
“If all funds had been released, we would have completed the first phase,” he added. Mr. Lochap said the move is intended to protect the cultural heritage, which is being lost amongst the young generation through western formal education.

He said the decision to construct a museum was resolved by Karamoja Regional Council Assembly last year. “The meeting which drew local leaders from Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripirit Districts, area MPs and the minister of state for Karamoja also resolved to put up a guest house,” he said.
Mr. Lochap said because of formal education, many Karimojong had abandoned their culture. “We want to maintain our rich culture,” he said.
The preservation of culture is very important as it helps give identity to future generations and helps preserve a people from being completely assimilated into another culture. This can  be done through the use of cultural tours where people are taught about the different cultures so as to enhance their appreciation.
This is something that is taking place in different parts of the world and Uganda is no exception, for a cultural tour of Uganda visit the Uganda safari company