Three Guns along with their respective ammunition have been voluntarily surrendered by suspects in Kotido District following a call by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to abandon guns as a way of achieving peace in the region.
The president made the call on December 3, 2024, during his visit to the Karamoja sub-region to assess the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government program designed to boost household incomes and promote socio-economic transformation.
“I, therefore, encourage the Karamojong community to completely abandon guns; no one should bring guns from anywhere so that we can ensure total peace, “President Museveni cautioned.
He attributed the progress made in the Karamoja through the message of peace by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I am also pleased with the progress we have made in the Karamoja. The message from the NRM has always been one of peace. We have emphasized that those who encourage the Karamojong to acquire wealth through raiding are misleaders, as there is no true wealth to be gained in that way, “the President noted.
The recovery of the guns was facilitated through persuasive efforts from the Joint security forces.The individuals who surrendered the weapons included:
– Daudi Lokomol, who gave up an SMG with five rounds of ammunition.
– Lochubae Lokutu, who handed in an SMG with two rounds.
– Loose Peter Lochu, who turned over an SMG with one round.
In line with existing security procedures, the three individuals were granted freedom as part of the government’s Amnesty Window initiative.
According to the Security forces, the programme allows those who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms to be documented, receive voluntary disarmament cards, and participate in community programs.
The Security forces further attribute the success of the initiative to the ongoing support of local governments and a multi-sectoral approach to achieving lasting peace in Karamoja.
