Overview

The Warrior Nomad Trail is a community tourism initiative of Ugandan tour operator Kara-Tunga, aimed at preservation of cultural heritage, fostering a peaceful coexistence and conservation of biodiversity by creating economical opportunities among neighbouring tribes of Uganda, South-Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia. The Karimojong people live in the remote Northeastern wilderness of Uganda. They belong to the larger Ateker cluster of tribes who migrated from present-day Ethiopia and settled in the most remote corners of South-Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. They are nomadic cattle keepers by tradition and have great similarities with the cow as common most highly valued asset. They all believe that they are sole owner of all cattle and have fought traditional battles to increase their wealth. During the final days of Amin’s reign, the Karimojong and neighbouring tribes obtained a fast amount of guns that ignited decades of civil unrest and armed banditry. The government of Uganda fought a battle to disarm the warriors and succeeded so fifteen years ago. Where the once isolated Karimojong, managed to protect their culture from the trappings of modern life, they are now on the verge of change. The Warrior Nomad Trail aims at protecting the cultural heritage, creating opportunities for the local community at home and thereby reducing poverty and migration.