Ancestral Rock Paintings found in Karamoja

UWA recently embarked on the refurbishment and construction of accommodation facilities in Karamoja game reserves such as Matheniko and Pian Upe to enhance tourism in the region.

Karamoja’s rocks are an attraction too as they stand out of the landscape. They include Kadam Rock in Nakapiripirit, Napak Rock in Napak District and Mount Moroto in Moroto.

In 2010, ancient paintings were discovered on Kobebe hills in Moroto District, Nakapeliet rock, Loteleit rock, Mogoth rock, and Nakadanya rock. The images of animals and people grazing while carrying bows and arrows are painted in reddish colour. “We are now able to discover these rock paintings because government has successful disarmed the Karimojong, who had made the area insecure and not conducive for tourism.

Such rock art characterised the Cushitic tribes who may have come to Karamoja about 3,000 years ago.