Last Updated on: 11th August 2023, 10:54 am
Karamoja | Karacunas who are still holding guns illegally have been advised to use the current amnesty window to return the weapons.
The call was made on August 10 by the commanders of the disarmament operation and senior leaders in Kotido and Kaabong districts, Karamoja sub-region.
Currently, mass security mobilization for a voluntary approach in the disarmament operation (Usalama Kwa Wote) is taking centre stage.
“As we continuously and directly interact with the community, I urge Karacunas to embrace the amnesty window period to return all guns as per the Presidential directive,” said Major General Don Nabasa, the 3 Division Commander.
Maj Gen Nabasa noted that through a voluntary approach, the joint forces have been able to recover over 80 guns and 1200 live rounds of ammunition in the last three months from the entire area of operation.
Recently, three guns from Achia longorialem in South Division, Kotido Municipality, Apanamuti in Kamor sub-county and Kapel, Maaru sub-county were voluntarily handed over to security at Losilang sub-county headquarters, in Kotido district, says Maj Isaac Oware, PIO 3 Division.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the Deputy 3 Division Commander affirmed that the forces maintain combat readiness and enhanced deployments to deter any possibility of re-armament from neighboring countries.
The commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Senior Commissioner of Police Elias Kasirabo said that a number of security interventions to regulate livestock trade have taken a course with 13 markets officially opened and closely monitored, reduced exit routes and 26 traders legalized with permits compared to the previous hundreds.
Kotido district LC5 chairman, Komol Lotee popularly known as ‘Kacheri Boy’ pledged to rally the masses towards total support for a voluntary approach as it yields positive results.
Lotee recognized the women’s efforts in persuading their husbands to voluntarily surrender guns to security commanders and committees.
Lt Gen Nakibus Lakara, the General Manager of Uganda Air Cargo, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Senior Officers from UPDF, Police, ASTU, Local Leaders, over 2000 residents and Karacunas from Kotido and Kaabong districts participated in the August 10 event.
