Kenya agrees to compensate Uganda over 2022 killing of four Ugandan geologists, 2 soldiers

Kenya and Uganda have formalised a cultural reconciliation roadmap following the killing of three Ugandan geologists and two UPDF soldiers by suspected Kenyan herdsmen in Karamoja in 2022.

The roadmap was unveiled during high-level talks in Kampala between Ugandan officials and a Kenyan delegation led by John Munyes Kiyonga, who delivered a special message from Kenyan President William Ruto to his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni.

Under the “Okukaraba” framework, both governments agreed that the cultural justice mechanism would guide reconciliation, compensation, and the restoration of relations between affected communities, rather than relying solely on conventional judicial proceedings.

The two countries also agreed to establish compensation mechanisms for the bereaved families of the three Ugandan geologists and two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers killed during the 2022 attack in Karamoja.

Uganda’s outgoing vice president Jessica Alupo applauded Kenya’s decision to formally engage in the matter, describing it as a courageous and principled step towards compensation and reconciliation.

“This is not a small matter, and President Ruto’s decision to send a special presidential envoy with a personal message to President Museveni speaks volumes about Kenya’s commitment to healing the wounds caused by this tragic incident,” Alupo said.

She also commended Kenya for measures already taken in relation to the killings, including what she described as the neutralisation of the perpetrators by Kenyan security forces and Nairobi’s acceptance of the Okukaraba settlement framework proposed by Museveni.

Alupo said the killings were a painful tragedy not only for the bereaved families, but also for Uganda’s scientific community, defence forces, and the country at large. According to her, the reconciliation process now underway seeks to restore social harmony and strengthen cooperation among border communities.

“The Okukaraba is not merely a cultural ceremony; it is a profound and recognised mechanism for justice, healing and the restoration of social harmony,” she said.

She directed technical teams from both countries to immediately begin consultations on compensation arrangements, timelines, and preparations for a formal reconciliation ceremony.

“I would now like to direct the two technical teams – Uganda’s Inter-Ministerial Technical Team and Kenya’s delegation – to begin their consultations freely, comprehensively, and without delay. Time is of the essence, and the families who have waited four years deserve to see this resolved,” Alupo said.

She added that Uganda would handle the process in good faith and with urgency, noting that affected families and border communities deserve closure and stability.

“The bereaved families of our fallen geologists and soldiers deserve a logical conclusion to the matter. The Turkana herdsmen currently in Kitalya prison deserve a dignified resolution and resettlement back to their families and communities. And the communities along our common border deserve peace, security, and a future of shared prosperity,” she added.

The discussions also focused on broader regional cooperation, including implementation of the Uganda-Kenya bilateral memorandum of understanding and resource-sharing agreement initialled in 2024 and acknowledged during Museveni’s state visit to Nairobi in July 2025.

Alupo said Uganda was looking forward to the formal signing of the agreement, which is expected to provide a long-term framework for managing shared border resources, trade, and community security.

The technical teams were tasked with developing a mutually agreed settlement formula under the Okukaraba framework, including determining the compensation package for the affected families in consultation with Uganda’s Attorney General and the bereaved relatives.

They were also directed to propose implementation and monitoring mechanisms for the bilateral agreement, identify outstanding issues affecting bilateral relations, cross-border trade, and security, and submit recommendations to both Heads of State within the shortest possible timeframe.

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