KARAMOJA | ILLEGAL | GUNS

KAABONG - The joint security forces in collaboration with senior leaders have recovered 12 guns from Kaabong district, Karamoja Sub-region in the last seven days of operations.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe has confirmed.

“Within 7 days, we have managed to recover twelve guns from criminal elements in Kaabong District,” said Brig Gen Balikudembe.

He added, “Our forces are also hunting down criminal elements who had raided livestock from Turkana County, in the Republic of Kenya.”

He noted that both forceful and voluntary approaches bring a total to 626 and 4,023, guns and ammunition respectively and over 28,341 livestock recovered since July 2021, when Operation was launched.

Gen Balikudembe, who has since pitched camp in Kaabong District, to oversee and direct the operations, remains optimistic and committed that more recoveries of arms and livestock shall be made in order to enhance security.

The UPDF ‘s 3 Division Commander commended the local leadership of Kaabong District for their positive efforts towards gun recovery from illegal hands.

 He urged the local leaders to continue with mass mobilization and participation in the ongoing disarmament operations aimed at creating a more conducive environment within Kaabong District and Karamoja Sub-region.

Gen Balikudembe asserted that some of the arrested suspects are subjected to further investigations and will undergo the processes of law to answer offences related to murder, illegal possession of firearms and livestock thefts.

As the rest of the areas are peaceful, Kaabong, Nabilatuk and Karenga Districts are in the spotlight and currently, the joint security forces are conducting operations.