The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces have recovered a total of 110 guns from cattle rustlers in Karamoja region just within a period of three weeks.
On Tuesday, the UPDF Commander of the Land forces, Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the guns were recovered within the past three weeks since they launched cordon and search operations in the region.
“LC V Chairman of Kotido District, Paul Lomanio ‘Kacheri Boy’, has just informed me that he has recovered another 2 guns today (Tuesday) from the cattle rustlers. So far we have recovered over 110 guns in the past 3 weeks. I thank the leadership of Karamoja for strongly supporting our operations,” CLF Gen. Kainerugaba said.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday while meeting Karamoja regional leaders and security heads of Karamoja sub-region at Morulinga State Lodge, Napak district vowed to end gun violence.
“Am here to ensure that we get peace. My aim is to have no raid at all,” said President Museveni.
He noted that there are two mistakes made by the Karimojong people; one is that they think that prosperity can be achieved through lawlessness and through insecurity.
President as directed that anybody who raids must be apprehended and prosecuted.
He further directed all government officials to stop the habit of failing to listen to people’s grievances but always explain the delays, if any.
“Tell Karimojong that these two mistakes will not help us,” he advised.
He also ordered the Joint Security Forces to continuously deal with armed warriors, those using bows and arrows and the ones who drive animals with sticks.
President urged leaders to augment on the truth for justice and peace as opposed to revenge.
The President also stressed that just like in Kampala, plans are underway to roll out electronic vehicle and motor cycle monitoring systems in Karamoja Sub-region to monitor movements and locations by the central command.
“We are ready to roll out a robust response to eradicate criminality,” emphasized the President.
He reaffirmed that the Joint Security Forces will be supported with more additional troop carriers to enhance mobility and funding so as to strengthen intelligence networks, among others.
