Last Updated on: 26th April 2023, 11:06 am
Abim, April 26, 2023: Joint Security Forces have assured the people of Abim district and neighbouring areas of their security despite the isolated incidences of livestock theft, arson, and warriors using arrows and spears to perpetrate attacks on innocent civilians.
The pledge was made by Major Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer (PIO) of 3 Division in a statement issued on April 16. “Predominantly, Abim is a mountainous district located in North Eastern Uganda with six town councils and ten sub-counties and is a non-raiding community.”
Major Oware said the security situation remains relatively calm although some armed criminal elements from Kotido, Napak and Kaabong districts sneak in due to internal pressure and cross with their criminal interests to disturb the peace of others.
He revealed that the joint-security forces have since pitch camped in the district to assess the situation and oversee adjustments in deployments led by Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy commander of 3 Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“We have conducted security assessments and identified gaps that require bridging. We expect total calmness to return to the district soonest,” Brig Gen Felix Busizoori assured the residents in different locations of the district.
The Deputy Division Commander explained that the prevailing situation in Abim is not to be taken lightly and for granted as joint security keenly takes note and consideration possible actions.
“Among the tactical interventions being undertaken is the deployment of an additional UPDF Battalion soonest to curb the manpower gap in Abim district,” added Brig Gen Busizoori.
Mr Banuli Magala, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Abim lauded the people of Abim for their continued cooperation with security forces and appealed to the peace-loving people of Abim to remain calm and provide purposeful and timely information whenever the need arises.
Top commanders took stock of the situation and visited the most troublesome sub-counties as a number of tactical security interventions and strategies are being employed to avert the worrying situation.
These security measures, according to Major Oware’s statement, are not limited to securing cattle grazing areas, dominating warriors’ crossing points and maintaining close coordination with security forces in Lango and Acholi sub-regions to fight cattle rustling.
As a result of the ongoing simultaneous operations, joint security forces (UPDF, Police, ASTU and intelligence) have made significant achievements in Abim district alone since Jan 2023.
The significant achievements include the recovery of 7 guns from the warriors, 30 ammunition recovered from warriors; 87 pieces of arrows and spears were also recovered, including 686 livestock and were handed over to rightful owners.
Joint Security Forces also made arrests of over 100 suspects who were subjected to further investigations, out of whom at least 62 originating from different districts have been prosecuted by Division Court Martial based at Moroto army barracks.
Col Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the 405 Brigade Commander noted that the ongoing operations and adjustments are directed towards leaving no freedom of action for armed criminal elements north of Karamoja.
Security commanders’ resolve is to maintain the aim, and joint synergies and achieve the desired end state for the Karamoja sub-region.
Present at the joint security assessment and pitch camp were: SP Musa Kayongo, Operations Officer, ASTU, SP Akampulira Peter, DPC, and Maj Micheal Obella, Division Counter Intelligence Officer.
Others are Maj Esau Katuune, Intelligence Officer 405, Maj Stephen Omonyi, CO Victor Battalion, Maj Isaac Oware, Public Information Officer and Mr. Sagal Henry, DISO Abim among other commanders.