An inter-security team has formed a new strategy to consolidate peace in Sebei, Bugisu and Karamoja regions, which have of recent been experiencing cattle rustling, ambushes and murders.

A statement released yesterday, November 30, 2022, senior leaders and top security commanders met and discussed how best to consolidate peace despite a few challenges in Sebei, Karamoja and Bugisu.

“The senior leaders convened an inter-districts security co-ordination meeting held at Chepskunya Town Council, Kween district,” Maj. Isaac Oware, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division PIO at Moroto Barracks, said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto

Collective effort
The meeting was attended by Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons of Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Kween and Bulambuli and top commanders of the disarmament operation.

“Fighting criminality is a collective effort. Let's embrace peace and denounce criminality,”  Kween RDC Tukei William,  also the chairperson of the ad-hoc committee meeting, said.

Tukei added that the wrong elements, who quite often disturb peace in communities, are few and sometimes known to some local leaders.

Much work needed for sustained peace
UPDF 3rd Division commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Balikudembe said much as the Usalama Kwa Wote operation has registered significant achievements, much work is required by the local council system to sustain the peace.

“Co-operation, co-ordination and commitment are vital if we are to sustain peace. We should never revert to previous hard times,” he said.

Balikudembe added that the ongoing simultaneous cordon and search operations leave no room and freedom of action for criminals, who steal livestock in the neighbourhood, noting that the culprits can be arrested, taken back and tried within the jurisdiction where they are said to have committed the offence.

Women key to peace
Nabilatuk deputy RDC Jacinta Ayo called for affirmative action and recognised the role of women in creating and sustaining peace in the regions.

“Women are very good change agents. Let's positively involve them, engage communities to support security forces where need be,” Ayo said.
Stanley Bayole, the RDC for Bulambuli district said for months now, his area of jurisdiction has been relatively calm.

He recognised the tireless efforts made by security forces and appealed for the stakeholders to continue upholding the existing resolutions.
Bayole said the district leadership shall empower the people of Bulambuli to be more vigilant in terms of ensuring neighbourhood security patterns.

Execute duties
Deputy division commander Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori called upon local leaders to delightfully execute their critical roles as the main effort of nurturing successive generations and promotion of societal values lies with them.

He urged local leaders to work hard, desist from any compromise and promote the well-being of their subordinates and the people.

Fight against illicit alcohol
Elias Kasirabo, the commissioner of Police and commandant of the Anti Stock Theft Unit reported that the operation against illicit waragi (a potent local gin) has registered a number of strides, leading to a reduction in crimes in Karamoja.

He urged local leaders to sensitise their communities on the dangers of poaching wild animals since the vice threatens the tourism sector.

The commandant asked local leaders to encourage pastoralist communities to embrace education for their children as the umbilical cord for societal transformation other than turning schoolchildren into shepherds.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto said as a result of animal crimes, there are lots of conspiracies either with local leaders or criminals, which must be checked.

Tom Olaka, the chairperson Namalu sub-county, who represented,  Nakapiripirit LC5 chairperson John Nangiro, promised to enhance reporting systems and co-ordination among local leaders once the theft of livestock has occurred.