Using latrines is a taboo in Karamoja

By Joseph Orisa

It is a taboo to use latrines in Karamoja and any leader who talks about latrines risks being rejected by the people, Mark Namuya Lochieng, the assistant chief administrative officer, Kotido, has said.

Namuya disclosed this during the recent celebrations to mark World Water Day held in Kotido. Kotido is one of the districts that make up Karamoja sub-region. Others are Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Moroto, and Abim.

During the same function the district health inspector, Godfrey Ocheng Malanda revealed that over 75% of Kotido district leaders do not have latrines in their homes. The leaders include councillors, members of parliament and civil servants. Malanda said a survey done throughout Kotido district during the sanitation week found that 90% of the people ease themselves in the bush.

“Even the few latrines in the communities are just there for formality; they are not being used,” Namuya said.

Residents expressed mixed feelings over the use of latrines. Albina Napii, a resident of Rengen sub-county, said she could not use a latrine because it makes women barren.

She also said many women who had shared toilets with their in-laws had allegedly gone blind.

However, Mercellina Anyango, a resident of Panyagara sub-county said she did not have a pit latrine because it is expensive to dig.

Facts about Karamoja

1. The region of Karamoja covers over 27,900 square kilometres.

2. The region is mostly semi-arid with harsh climate and low annual rainfall.

3. It is largely savannah, covered with seasonal grasses, thorned plants and occasional small trees.

The large mountains; Mt. Kadam, Mt. Napak, and Mt. Moroto — lying on the periphery of Karamoja have peaks reaching around 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) and higher.

4. Karamoja depends on cattle, mining and trading in agricultural produce with neighbouring districts.

5. The Karimojong have been armed for the past 20 years and use the guns in interclan and cross-border cattle rustling raids. 

Traditionally, young Karamoja men need cattle to pay bride price. So they often raid and grab cattle from the neighbouring clans.

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