Dodoth

Dodoth are an ethnic group in Uganda’s Karamoja region, primarily living in Moroto District with smaller communities in neighboring districts in the northeast. They are part of the broader Nilotic-speaking population of Karamoja and share cultural ties with other groups in the subregion.

The Dodoth language is spoken by the community, and many Dodoth also use English or Swahili for education and interethnic communication.

Traditionally, the Dodoth have practiced pastoralism, maintaining cattle, goats, and other livestock as a basis of subsistence and social status. Seasonal migrations and rain-fed production are common, although modern factors such as drought and security concerns have pushed some communities toward crop farming and diversification.

Social organization among the Dodoth historically includes age-sets and kin-based clans, which govern initiation, marriage, labor, and leadership within villages. Ceremonies, dances, and oral traditions are important elements of cultural life.

Historically, the Dodoth experienced the broader Karamoja context of cattle raids and periodic conflict with neighboring groups. In recent decades, government disarmament programs, development projects, and humanitarian aid have influenced livelihoods and security in the region. Today, the Dodoth participate in regional trade networks and maintain cultural associations while adapting to changing economic and environmental conditions.