UPDF chief assures Northern Uganda of total peace and security

Maj Gen Keith Katungi, the 5th Division army chief has assured the people of Northern Uganda especially Lango of total peace and security.

He said the above while meeting a section of Lango clan leaders on Thursday ahead of President Museveni’s campaign visits early next month.

Katungi highlighted the achievements of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Northern Uganda since he was posted as 5th Division Commander in 2023.

According to General Katungi, the prevailing peace is a result of a strong working relationship between UPDF commanders from local council chairpersons up to the district level.

Major General Katungi also appreciated the Commander-in-Chief, General Yoweri Museveni, for his leadership, noting that since 2023, the region has been quiet without the cattle rustling that was previously perpetrated by raiders from Karamoja.

The General, who was given the Lango name “Okello” (which means peace), stated that in less than one month since his transfer in May 2023, Lango has not lost a single cow to Karamojong rustlers.

However, he noted challenges with internal crime, citing local youth who break into houses and steal animals like cows, pigs, and chickens.

He urged clan leaders to cooperate with security organs to have such individuals arrested and charged in accordance with the law.

The General called upon the Lango clan leaders to support government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) so that the Northern region can develop as others have. He urged for unity and love to ensure peaceful elections, assuring them that the UPDF is on standby to address any problems.

Speaking at the same meeting, the Ogoro clan leader, Canon Richard Owang Oderyo, recounted the suffering of northern Ugandans during the 20-year LRA insurgency led by Joseph Kony, a period when education was disrupted and many children could not study.

Canon Oderyo added that the effects of the war are still felt through widespread poverty in the region. He also raised concerns about illegal fishing on the lakes and requested that authorities stop the killings of people on the water.