Joint security forces and senior leaders in the Karamoja Sub-region recently evaluated the progress made during the amnesty period. The evaluation took place in Tapach Sub County, Katikekile Parish, Tepeth County in Moroto District.
Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, the 3 Infantry Division Deputy Commander, announced that the security situation in the Karamoja region has improved significantly. There have been no major raids in the past two months, especially in the areas of Kaabong, Kotido, Karenga, and Abim, which used to experience a high number of raids. The karachunas, a local community group, have fully embraced peace, extending it to neighboring districts like Kitgum, Lira, and Agago.
In the last three months, security forces have recovered 112 guns. Brig Gen Busizoori called on the karachunas to abandon their guns and embrace peace for the social and economic transformation of the Karamoja region.
He also encouraged the community to avoid seeking revenge and instead rely on the security forces by providing them with necessary information. He assured them that the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) are there to protect them and their property. The UPDF has increased deployments along the borders to ensure security.
Additionally, Brig Gen Busizoori urged the community to stop engaging in charcoal burning, which leads to deforestation. He emphasized the importance of embracing nature and finding alternative ways to earn a living. He also called for an end to the production of ‘Etule,’ a harmful local alcoholic beverage.
During the event, five guns were voluntarily surrendered to the X-Ray Battalion in Loputuk Sub County. This symbolic gesture represented the commitment to peace from Lokwang Lorengen, Lodim Longoria, Lokamar Lorot, Lodim Angella, and Lorengedwat Lodim, all from various villages in Moroto District.
ACP Francis Chemusto, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Commander, acknowledged the positive impact of community mobilizations on the police force. The mobilizations have led to the implementation of measures such as intelligence-led deployments and the arrest of criminals, resulting in a more peaceful and secure region.
Hon. Lokoru Albert, the Member of Parliament for Tepeth County, expressed gratitude for the peaceful coexistence between the Tepeth people and their neighboring communities. He mentioned a successful meeting in July between the Karachunas, Pokots, Tepeths, and Mathenikos, where they pledged to live harmoniously. The resolutions from that meeting continue to foster peace and cooperation.
Mr. Tuko Justin, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, highlighted the success of community mobilizations in encouraging people to surrender their guns. As a result of the ongoing amnesty, many Karachunas are voluntarily giving up their firearms. Five individuals who previously surrendered their guns were honored with certificates to acknowledge their cooperation.
The event was attended by Col Richard Obuka Kidega and other key figures in the region, affirming the commitment of both security forces and community leaders to maintaining peace and stability in the Karamoja region.
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