Survivors Speak Out 51 Years After Nawoikorot Massacre in Napak District

Napak District | The Black Examiner – Survivors of the Nawoikorot Massacre in Napak district have come forward, on the tragic event that occurred 51 years ago. The little-known and often ignored mass grave, situated in Nawoikorot village, Ngoleriet Sub County, Napak district, holds the remains of around thirteen members of the Bokora community who fell victim to a massacre linked to former president Idi Amin.

Marked by five raised, weathered metal crosses and stones, this solemn site has captured the attention of The Black Examiner journalists. They are documenting the incident as part of their contribution to the annual Karamoja Cultural Event scheduled to take place in Matany, Napak in September.

According to elderly survivors, the massacre unfolded on a sunny day in July 1972 when President Idi Amin issued an order requiring all Karimojong people to adopt full dressing, in contrast to their traditional attire that left parts of the body uncovered. The directive, relayed through Moroto County Chief Akobo Lowok, ignited resentment among the Karimojong, who protested against the forced change in attire.

The soldiers’ response to the protest was brutal. Allegedly, they opened fire indiscriminately on hundreds of protestors, primarily comprising youths and women armed with sticks. The casualty count varies depending on sources, ranging from tens to hundreds.

Mzee Ilukol Lomuget, one of the survivors who lost his brother in the incident, recounted the day’s events. Thousands of youths and elders from different areas had gathered at Nawoikoroto to resist Amin’s decree. Their protest escalated as they defiantly whipped the soldiers enforcing the order, resulting in the soldiers firing back. Lomuget managed to escape by fleeing to nearby gardens, but upon his return, he counted about 13 bodies. The following day, graders were deployed to bury them in a mass grave. The memories of that day continue to haunt him.

Kodet Logwee and Lomongin Apaanyeleth, also survivors, highlighted the Karimojong’s attachment to their culture at the time and their belief that they were not naked. The survivors, now numbering less than thirty, are seeking compensation, both financially and in terms of psychosocial support, for the loss of their loved ones.

Abraham Lobong, a Lotome Sub County elder who was a youth during the incident, shared a similar narrative, asserting that hundreds were killed. Dr. Mark Ilukol, a researcher and elder from Kangole in Napak district, explained the resistance by suggesting that the Karimojong did not comprehend the significance of modern dressing. They associated it with sexually transmitted diseases prevalent at the time.

Despite the passage of years, the incident has not been officially recognized. However, this year, the government plans to erect a monument commemorating those who lost their lives. The site remains untended, overgrown with grass, except for the five rusted metal crosses installed by the Catholic Church years ago.

Interestingly, the aftermath of the massacre has resulted in this particular region adopting full dressing, a contrast to other areas in Karamoja where traditional attire still prevails. This account contributes to a series of stories broadcasted in support of the forthcoming Karamoja Cultural Event Napak Chapter.

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