Karamoja Region Sees Positive Change as Peace Prevails and Firearms Surrendered
The Deputy Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, has disclosed that the security situation in the Karamoja Sub-Region has seen notable improvements in the past two months. This positive development comes in the wake of an extended amnesty period, announced during a security and community mobilization event held at Tapach Sub County, Katikekile Parish, Tepeth County, Moroto District.
Brigadier General Felix Busizoori reported that there have been significantly fewer instances of serious raids, especially in North Karamoja, encompassing Kaabong, Kotido, Karenga, and Abim. These areas were previously notorious for the highest number of raid incidents.
He further noted that the Karachuna community has wholeheartedly embraced the peace initiatives, extending their commitment to neighboring districts such as Kitgum, Lira, and Agago.
Over the last three months, security forces have successfully recovered 112 firearms. Brigadier General Busizoori urged the Karachuna community to relinquish their weapons and opt for peace, highlighting the importance of social and economic progress in the Karamoja region.
Additionally, Busizoori appealed to the local community to refrain from seeking revenge and emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining security lies with the security forces. He assured the populace that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) are present to safeguard their lives and property, evident in the increased deployments along the borders and porous entry points, especially along the Turkanas border.
Busizoori also encouraged the community to cease engaging in harmful activities like charcoal burning, which contributes to deforestation, and to instead explore alternative livelihoods. He urged them to abandon the production and consumption of ‘Etule,’ a locally brewed alcoholic beverage detrimental to both health and society.
As a symbol of the prevailing peace, five firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the X-Ray Battalion in Loputuk Sub County, under the jurisdiction of the 403 Brigade. These firearms were handed over by individuals from various villages in Moroto District, including Lokwang Lorengen (Mutia Village, Tapach Sub County), Lodim Longoria (Nakomoli-Usaret Village, Katikekile Parish), Lokamar Lorot (Natabakalejoi Village, Makwanga Parish), Lodim Angella (Longurepe Village, Kakingol Parish), and Lorengedwat Lodim (Tapach Sub County, Katikekile Parish).
In his remarks, Justin Tuko, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, acknowledged the increasing number of Karamoja communities, particularly the Karachunas, embracing the amnesty program by voluntarily surrendering their firearms to the joint security forces. He noted that five individuals who voluntarily relinquished their weapons were presented with certificates as evidence of their cooperation with the UPDF.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Chemusto, the Mount Moroto Regional Police Commander, highlighted the success of community mobilization efforts in combating criminal activities within the region.
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