Launch of the Pan-African network and learning centre in Karamoja, Uganda
This week, Kampala is hosting a historic gathering of pastoralist women from across Africa, marking a major milestone in advancing gender-inclusive rangeland governance. Today culminated with the official launch of the African Pastoralist Women Network and the Learning Centre in Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, under the leadership of Her Excellency Jessica Rose Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda.
The initiative aims to create a continental platform for pastoralist women to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen advocacy on sustainable rangeland management. As Vice President Alupo noted,
Pastoralist women are not only custodians of livestock and rangeland resources but also vital agents for food security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development in their communities.
The launch aligns with ongoing policy reforms in Uganda, including the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for the Rangelands Policy, which highlights the need for dedicated, gender-responsive policy frameworks. The RIA underscores the critical role of pastoralism in Uganda’s economy, its cultural significance, and the unique challenges facing communal rangeland systems. In particular, it identifies women as key stakeholders whose empowerment is essential for sustainable land governance.
The Learning Centre in Karamoja will serve as a hub for practical training, peer learning, and advocacy. It is expected to support innovations in livestock management, climate adaptation, and value addition, such as milk processing and market access, while fostering leadership among women pastoralists. Beyond Uganda, the Network seeks to strengthen regional collaboration, including through upcoming initiatives like a learning visit to Mongolia in connection with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, and cultural exchanges such as the Ateker Festival.
She called for inclusive participation, urging men to act as allies in advancing women’s empowerment and safeguarding rangelands for future generations.
The establishment of the African Pastoralist Women Network and Learning Centre represents a concrete step toward people-centred land governance that recognises the rights, knowledge, and leadership of women pastoralists. It signals the Ugandan Government's and regional partners' commitment to supporting resilient, productive, and sustainable pastoral systems across the continent.
