Parliament’s Committee On Defence Meets Stakeholders In Karamoja Sub-Region

Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs held a meeting with key stakeholders in Karamoja Sub-Region as part of their visit. Chaired by Hon Okeyoh Peter, Member of Parliament for Bukooli Island constituency in Namayingo district, the committee met at Moroto Council Hall.

“We are here to make sure that this region gets peace and tranquility and as per our rules of procedure 159 (f) where the Speaker Rt Hon Anita Among directed that the Parliamentary committee moves out to Karamoja and greater northern Uganda to hold fruitful discussions on matters of peace, security, health, water , agriculture and other sectors a head of Parliamentary regional sitting in Gulu city where key issues shall be addressed,” remarked Hon Okeyoh

Hon Okeyoh emphasised that Parliament had adopted a committee sitting approach to get closer to the people, appreciate how they access social services, and receive updates on Uganda’s relationship with neighbouring countries, Kenya and South Sudan.

He stressed that the Karamoja Development Agency (KDA), once approved, would be the primary vehicle for synchronising and spurring transformation in the sub-region.

Gen Peter Elwelu, Senior Presidential Adviser and Head of Governance Monitoring Mechanism for Karamoja-Teso Sub-region, noted that the region had experienced relative peace, with the era of warriors gone. He urged leaders to unite, fight corruption, and address food and water shortages.

The MPs commended regional leaders and joint security forces for their continued disarmament operations and efforts towards pacifying Karamoja, fostering peace in neighbouring sub-regions.

Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Deputy 3 Division Commander, attributed the relative peace to the ultimate sacrifice and bloodshed, emphasising the need for concerted efforts to sustain and consolidate achievements.

Stakeholders appealed for increased funding for security road improvements, community mobilisation, psychosocial programs, and youth empowerment, particularly for reformed warriors.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Ms Adupa Lorika Dinah, advocated for the renewal of Alternative Basic Education for Karamoja (ABEK) and reconsidering the Government white paper on the Kajubi Report. “Let us use the tools like ordinances and by-laws to enforce compulsory education and marry it with security,” She advised.

Senior leaders called for the establishment of pillar centres to accelerate positive mindset change programs and disarmament of minds. They resolved to continue recognising and empowering women structures and strengthening local council systems.

The committee and stakeholders observed that the hybrid system of directly awarding contracts to entities undermines implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and accountability of projects in most districts, which should be addressed.