KARAMAJONG

A semi-arid to arid land about 4 000 feet above sea level in the northeast of Uganda is where the Karamajong can be found. Only one permanent flowing river can be found on this plateau broken by small rocky hills. Ridges near the sandy stretches of river beds provide the only place for permanent settlement. These are concentrated in the eastern part of the country. Alluvial soil enable the Karamajong to plant some grain, but that is not enough to provide a staple food. Livestock enables the Karamajong to live. During the wet season all stock are gathered at these settlements, usually for a month or two. As the water and the grass dry up they are forced to move away. When they move away women and old men stay behind in these permanent settlements. They herd the Milch cattle. Because goats can browse on thorn bushes and eat the porridge made by the women, they are also left behind for the old men to take care of.

A typical settlement consists of a group of huts thatched with grass and surrounded by a stockaded hedge. Herds are brought into it at night. When on the move the Karamajong believe that they are entitled to graze their cattle in any pasture available, even if it means dispossessing other tribes. Rough camps with thorn hedges are build to protect the cattle while the men sleep in the open.

Cattle are extremely important to the Karamajong. Very seldom are cattle slaughtered solely for their meat. Blankets and clothing are made from their hides, various kinds of containers from their horns and hooves and bags from their scrota. Their urine is used to cleanse vessels made of wood and to wash hands. Most importantly though are their ritualistic uses. Intestines are used for divination and their chyme for anointing. Authority is shared through a system of age sets; the more senior the age set the more respect one gets. Defence of cattle and grazing grounds as well as raiding those of other tribes are the responsibilities of the young men. Disputes are settled by the elders. Elders also share the responsibilities of ritual activities. Age sets are distinguished by the various ornaments they wear. When somebody wants to move up to the next age set he has to ask permission from age set. Recruiting goes on until enough men have been selected for a certain set. Generations too are distinguished by their age sets. Five sets make up one generation. Each generation wears a different colour of ornaments.

When a generation is complete (all five age sets have been filled) they retire, making way for the juniors. This is celebrated with a feast and it is also the only time that the whole tribe comes together. Before the young men leave the camp to herd the cattle, they beseech the elders to bless the cattle for the elders alone can approach Akuj, the Karamajong deity."

• Country: Uganda
• Population (year): 22 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 83.4%
• Percent Evangelical: 24.7%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 1.2% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 83 persons (total believers - 4 152)(1.2%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches - ?)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Some Bible portions exist and the New Testament was released in 1974.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Their nomadic lifestyle and the ruggedness of their territory make distribution difficult.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Radio: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

For years the Karamajong was a closed society as boys were expected to follow in their fathers' footsteps. However, years of tribal warfare and severe cattle disease have opened up these people and many have been turning to the Lord in recent years.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes. It is obvious that they need a clear presentation of the gospel."