The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, has called for closer collaboration among security agencies, local leaders, and communities in Kotido and Kabong districts.
The above, he said, aims to address cross-border cattle theft, communal conflict, and highway insecurity.
He was speaking during a joint security meeting at Lokomebu sub-county headquarters to find solutions to security challenges affecting the two neighbouring districts.
The meeting brought together the Resident District Commissioners of Kotido and Kabong, district and sub-county security committees, local government leaders, kraal leaders, peace committee members, religious leaders and LC1 chairpersons.
Maj Gen Sserunkuma said issues such as cattle theft, the movement of armed groups and communal conflicts should be addressed collectively to create a stable environment for socio-economic development.
“These efforts must not stop at the district level. We must take peace deep into the communities and villages,” he said.
He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Karamoja sub-region and directed local leaders and security agencies to continue implementing the Presidential directives on restoring peace and security.
Cattle, illegal firearms, people and conflicts move across boundaries, he said. “Security must therefore be managed jointly with the active involvement of communities and local leaders.”
Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor commended the joint security initiative, saying it would strengthen peaceful coexistence between neighbouring communities.
Ichogor urged residents to embrace dialogue and reconciliation while reminding those still in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the Presidential pardon and surrender them.
Kabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek said lasting peace begins within communities and encouraged residents to report security threats promptly to enable timely intervention.
The RDC also cautioned against criminal activities that could undermine the gains made in restoring stability.
The Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), ACP Francis Chemusto, appealed to residents to reject mob justice, discourage cattle raiding, prioritise education for children and reduce alcohol abuse as part of efforts to prevent violence.
Kotido district LC5 chairperson Paul Komol Lotee urged communities to maintain harmony despite clan differences, saying sustained cooperation was essential for long-term peace in Karamoja.
LC3 councillor Moses Adingdong praised the continued engagement between communities and security agencies, while Lokomebu LC1 chairperson Joseph Aena said the improved security situation was the result of cooperation between the UPDF, ASTU, local leaders and reformed warriors.
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