Lt. Col. Richard Butungi, the 3rd Division Administrative Officer, representing Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa, the 3rd Division commander, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), received four guns, August 13, 2023, in the Karamonja Subregion that were voluntarily returned by residents from Kamuru and Lotim sub-counties in Kaabong district.
According to Lt.Col. Butungi, the guns were returned from residents identified as Emmanuel Anyakun, who was accompanied by Stephen Abura, coordinator Karachunas under the Karamonja Development Programme (KDP), Lourian Igira, and Apalosira who handed over two guns with two rounds to Maj. Emmy Kafureka, the commanding officer of the 43 infantry battalion under the 405 brigade, and the last one from Simon Loiki Ekeno received by Lt.Col. Gatson Mugarura the commanding officer of the 45 infantry battalion.
“We encourage the gesture of voluntary approach to disarmament operations, you will be given certificates, you are now free men, we urge you to persuade other Karacunas to do the same,” Lt. Col. Butungi said.
This has been possible due to the top commanders of disarmament operations and senior leaders across the subregion spearheading campaigns on security, community mobilization, voluntary and positive mindset change strategies considering the amnesty window as guided by strategic leadership.
