Kotido

Kotido District is located in the Karamoja sub-region in northeastern Uganda. It is largely semi-arid and predominantly inhabited by the Karimojong people, who are traditionally pastoralists. The district’s economy relies mainly on livestock keeping — cattle, goats, and sheep — and some subsistence farming. Kotido hosts the lively Kotido cattle market, one of the biggest in Karamoja, attracting traders from across Uganda and neighboring countries. The area is rich in culture, with vibrant traditional dances, crafts, and community festivals. Despite its cultural wealth, Kotido faces challenges like water scarcity, food insecurity, and periodic cattle raids. Development efforts focus on improving education, health services, and security. Wildlife tourism potential exists too, with parts of the rugged Kidepo Valley National Park extending near its boundaries.