‘Prioritize peace for economic prosperity’ – Karenga people told 

Karenga | Leaders and security commanders have urged residents of Karenga district to fully embrace peace as a critical component in achieving significant socioeconomic development. 

This call was issued over the weekend during a security-community mobilisation meeting (baraza) in Kawalakol sub-county. It aimed to promote stability in North Karamoja.

Threats to locals have recently been reported following the joint security forces’ neutralisation of a notorious warrior, Issa Lokuria, last month.

Akello Rose Lilly, Woman Member of Parliament for Karenga and State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, urged residents to remain vigilant and promote peaceful coexistence.

She stated that the government will implement transformative programmes in the Karamoja sub-region, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

“I urge the community to be vigilant and watchful of any criminal acts as the government works to improve livelihoods through programmes such as PDM and Emyooga.

The woman MP also reassured locals that the government is committed to resolving human-wildlife conflicts by allocating funds to build an electric fence around Kidepo Valley National Park.

Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ (3 Infantry Division), urged locals to take advantage of the existing Amnesty Window to peacefully surrender their firearms.

He warned that those who do not comply will face harsh consequences from security forces and the full force of the law.

“We use technology to track criminals, so those seeking vengeance should focus on us, the security forces, rather than innocent civilians,” he said, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in tracking suspects.

Filbert Ocailap, Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner, urged host communities to take proactive measures such as neighbourhood watches, exercise caution with visitors, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, warned against early marriages, a common occurrence in the area, and emphasised the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.