The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Commander of the 3 Infantry Division in Karamoja sub-region, Maj Gen. Don William Nabassa, has urged the area local leaders to prioritize peace to achieve reliable wealth creation.
He said peace and stability are the only pillars to achieve significant socioeconomic growth.
Maj. Gen. Nabassa made the call on Sunday, 6th October 2024, during a security-community mobilization meeting (baraza) at Kawalakol Sub County in Karenga district aimed at fostering stability in North Karamoja.
He encouraged the community to use the current amnesty window to give up their firearms peacefully, noting that those who do not comply will face forceful measures from security forces.
“We use technology to track criminals, so those interested in revenge should take it out on us, the security forces, not innocent civilians,” Nabassa said.
The meeting followed recent threats to locals after the neutralization of a notorious warrior, Issa Lokuria, by joint security forces last month.
The State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, who is also the Karenga District Woman MP, Rose Lilly Akello, encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promote peaceful coexistence as the government rolls out transformative programs in the Karamoja Sub-region, stressing the importance of community engagement.
“I urge you, the community, to be vigilant and watchful of any criminal acts as the government works towards improving livelihoods through programs like PDM and Emyooga,” Akello said.
Additionally, she assured the community of the government’s commitment to addressing human-wildlife conflicts by allocating resources to install an electric fence around Kidepo Valley National Park.
Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner, Filbert Ocailap, urged host communities to take preventative actions like setting up neighborhood watch programs and alerting the authorities to any suspicious activity.
The Anti-Stock Theft Unit’s Commandant, Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, warned against early marriages, which are a common problem in the community, and emphasized the value of community involvement in crime prevention.
Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, and Col David Byaruhanga, Commander of the 405 Brigade, were among the dignitaries present at the baraza.
