UPDF urges South Sudan, Kenyan communities to embrace disarmament

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has asked the neighbouring Turkana in Kenya, the Toposa in South Sudan, leaders to embrace disarmament, saying there is a need to pacify the cattle corridors.

Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the commander of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, has urged the leaders to push their governments to clean up their areas by removing illegal guns among the herder community.

“I want to say here in Karamoja, the security are on top of the situation,” Sserunkuma said, adding that their forces have tirelessly fought to ensure the sub-region is pacified.

Sserunkuma was on February 18, 2026, presiding over the closure of a three-day regional workshop on voluntary surrender and collection of illicit weapons in Karamoja.

He rallied leaders in the region to change the narrative, saying issues of hunger and poverty should end, asking the relevant stakeholders for support.

Uganda Prisons officers during the three-day regional workshop on voluntary surrender and collection of illicit weapons in Karamoja. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

“As owners, you should not be suffocated,” Sserunkuma said, adding there is need for Karamoja to embrace compulsory education and that the region could attain sustainable peace if the cycle for warrior training is destroyed.

“The kraals in the bushes are recreational centres,” Sserunkuma said, adding that these are areas where these young people learn raiding and gun skills.

He urged the community to hand over the criminals, adding that security forces are committed to ensuring the region is totally pacified.

The commander also urged the illegal gun handlers to surrender their arms to local leaders even with security forces saying the presidential pardon initiative still stands.

Earlier, Moroto District Resident Commissioner Benon Kwikiriza attributed the cause of insecurity to poverty, urging the community to diversify livelihoods.

"We should not be relying on only cows,” he said, adding that the youths can do several things that can fetch huge cash.

Kwikiriza also urged the locals to embrace education in the region, saying it’s the only tool that can change Karamoja.

“We have several schools built without learners,” he said, asking the parents to ensure they attain education for the future.

The meeting held at the Strikers Hotel in Moroto town was facilitated by the internal affairs ministry, supported by the national focal point on small arms and light weapons.