Youth in the Karamoja region, known locally as the Karacunas, have formally requested government amnesty for approximately 5,000 of their peers currently detained for cattle rustling and illegal gun possession.
This appeal was made on September 6, 2024, following a dialogue held as part of the ongoing Karamoja Cultural Festival at the Napierok grounds in Karenga district.
The youth’s resolutions, presented to the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, emerged from discussions that took place on September 5, 2024. The Karacunas are advocating for the release of their colleagues, emphasizing the need for a second chance for those involved in disarmament-related cases.
In addition to the amnesty request, the youth outlined several other initiatives aimed at supporting their community. These include calls for special grants for reformed individuals, the reintroduction of alternative free basic education, and the establishment of a youth representative in Parliament specifically for the Karamoja region.
The Karacunas expressed their commitment to engaging in productive economic activities and pledged to support their children’s education by enrolling them in primary schools. They also expressed interest in participating in government-sponsored skilling programs to improve their financial prospects.
Minister Balaam Barugahara assured the youth that their requests would be communicated to President Yoweri Museveni, who is set to preside over the closing ceremony of the ninth edition of the Karamoja Cultural Festival on September 7, 2024.
The resolution handover was attended by several dignitaries, including Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, as well as local leaders from Karenga, Kabong, and Nakapiripirit districts.
