The County Government of Turkana has begun preparations for the 53rd edition of the Lokiriama Peace Accord Commemoration, scheduled for November 2026.
County officials led by Abdul Lomuria, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, visited the historic Lokiriama Peace Accord Monument on October 28 to assess the venue ahead of the annual event.
The commemoration celebrates the historic peace agreement between the Turkana community of Kenya and the Matheniko community of Uganda, which has remained an important symbol of cross-border peace and reconciliation.
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Speaking during the site visit, Lomuria said the county government was committed to ensuring that this year's event reflects the historical significance of the agreement while promoting peace, cultural preservation and cooperation between communities across the border.
“The Lokiriama Peace Accord is a powerful symbol of unity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among the Ateker communities. As we begin preparations for this year’s commemoration, our focus is to honor this shared history while strengthening the values of peace and cooperation for the benefit of present and future generations,” Lomuria said.
He noted that the annual commemoration remains an important event on the county's calendar, bringing communities together to celebrate their shared heritage and renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
2026 Commemoration to Promote Indigenous Diplomacy
This year's event will be held under the theme, “Honoring Our Origins, Charting Our Future: Indigenous Diplomacy for Cross-Border Peace and Shared Prosperity.”
The theme highlights the role of indigenous knowledge, traditional leadership and community-led diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting regional development.
Principal Culture Officer Lemmy Ejorewoia emphasised the importance of preserving the historical and cultural significance of the accord and passing its peacebuilding legacy to younger generations.
“The Accord is an important part of our shared cultural heritage. We must preserve its history and ensure that younger generations understand the role our communities played in choosing dialogue and peaceful coexistence over conflict. By celebrating this legacy, we can strengthen cultural identity and encourage communities to embrace peace as a foundation for development,” Ejorewoia said.
The History Behind the Lokiriama Peace Accord
Located along the Lodwar–Moroto road, the Lokiriama Peace Accord Monument commemorates the agreement signed in December 1973 between the Turkana of Kenya and the Matheniko of Uganda.
The agreement marked a historic turning point in relations between the two communities, which symbolically buried their weapons, including spears, guns, bullets, bows and arrows, as a demonstration of their commitment to ending hostilities.
The accord remains an important example of traditional conflict resolution and indigenous diplomacy, demonstrating how communities can use customary practices and dialogue to pursue lasting peace across national borders.
Peace Accord Also Promotes Cultural Tourism
Beyond commemorating the historic agreement, the annual event seeks to strengthen cross-border relations, promote cultural tourism and create opportunities for socioeconomic development across the region.
The preparations are expected to support efforts to preserve the accord's legacy while bringing together communities and stakeholders from Kenya and Uganda.
Also present during the assessment visit were Mercy Ekaale, Chief Tourism Officer, and Lokiriama Chief Sammy Losuban.
The 53rd commemoration is expected to provide another opportunity for the Turkana and Matheniko communities to celebrate their shared history and reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
