Senior leaders and commanders have urged residents of Karenga District to fully embrace peace, highlighting its vital role in achieving significant socio-economic growth.
This call to action was made during a security-community mobilisation meeting (baraza) at Kawalakol Sub County, aimed at fostering stability in North Karamoja.
The meeting followed recent threats to locals after the neutralisation of a notorious warrior, Issa Lokuria, by joint security forces last month.
Hon Akello Rose Lilly, Karenga’s Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promote peaceful coexistence as the government rolls out transformative programmes in the Karamoja Sub-region. She stressed the importance of community engagement, stating, “I urge you the community to be vigilant, vigilant and watchful of any criminal acts as the government works towards improving livelihoods through programmes like PDM, Emyooga.”
Hon Akello also assured locals of the government’s commitment to addressing human-wildlife conflicts by allocating resources to install an electric fence around Kidepo Valley National Park.
Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Commander of the 3 Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), urged locals to take advantage of the existing Amnesty Window to surrender their firearms peacefully. He warned that those who do not comply will face forceful measures from security forces and the full extent of the law.
Addressing concerns about residents identifying criminal elements, Maj Gen Nabasa remarked, “We use technology to track criminals, so those interested in revenge should take it out on us, the security forces, not innocent civilians,” emphasising the role of technological advancements in tracking suspects.
Mr Filbert Ocailap, Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner, called on host communities to implement proactive measures such as neighbourhood watches, exercising caution with visitors, and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, cautioned against early marriages, a prevalent issue in the area, and highlighted the necessity of community involvement in crime prevention.
The baraza was attended by Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, and Col David Byaruhanga, Commander of the 405 Brigade, along with other notable figures including SSP Sooma Nelson George, Regional Police Commander for the Kidepo Region, and various local leaders and members of the Karenga District Security Committee.
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