Museveni to end lawlessness in Karamoja
Jun 27, 2010
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has vowed to end lawlessness in Karamoja, a region whose development has been affected due to illegal guns in circulation.
By Olandason Wanyama
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has vowed to end lawlessness in Karamoja, a region whose development has been affected due to illegal guns in circulation.
Museveni called for reinforcement of the disarmament programme and said he had held discussions with the army leadership on how loopholes can be rectified.
He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Kotido Boma grounds where he presided over the passout of 2,156 probationary Police officers of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit. Of these, 800 are Karimojong.
Museveni stressed that only legitimate institutions like the army are authorised to have guns.
“Fire stays in the fireplace. When it is there, it is very useful – cooks food and warms you because it is in the right place. What happens if you put fire in your bed? It burns.
“This has been the problem of Karamoja. Atom (guns) have not been in the right place. It is like putting fire in the bed. The guns, instead of being with institutions like the army, Police and militia, are with the wanainchi,†he said.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Janet Museveni, the President said the region had only 800 recruits despite a call to the Karimojong to join the Force.
“We wanted more, but only 800 were available. They had to recruit from other areas. They will get an income and also contribute to security in the region,†he said.
“Next time the Police come looking for young people to join, send them. We have also decided to recruit an additional 2,000 Local Defence Unit personnel soon. Instead of the former karachuna (cattle rustlers) running around stealing cows, if they want to join and are fit, they can be recruited.â€
The President said security officers would crack down on trouble makers among the Turkana and Pokot who had fled to Kenya.
Museveni urged the Karimojong to settle down and contribute to the development of the country.
“Abim has electricity which will soon reach Kotido and other parts of the region. A line will also be connected from Soroti to Moroto and from Muyembe – Namalu, Nakapiripit to Amudat.â€
The President inspected a guard of honour and presented gifts to the best performing graduands, including Michael Lokiru, Mercy Achieng, Godfrey Otyang, Doreen Alepero and Charles Lokiru.
The President advised the new constables to be vigilant when handling cattle rustling in the region.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has vowed to end lawlessness in Karamoja, a region whose development has been affected due to illegal guns in circulation.
Museveni called for reinforcement of the disarmament programme and said he had held discussions with the army leadership on how loopholes can be rectified.
He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Kotido Boma grounds where he presided over the passout of 2,156 probationary Police officers of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit. Of these, 800 are Karimojong.
Museveni stressed that only legitimate institutions like the army are authorised to have guns.
“Fire stays in the fireplace. When it is there, it is very useful – cooks food and warms you because it is in the right place. What happens if you put fire in your bed? It burns.
“This has been the problem of Karamoja. Atom (guns) have not been in the right place. It is like putting fire in the bed. The guns, instead of being with institutions like the army, Police and militia, are with the wanainchi,†he said.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Janet Museveni, the President said the region had only 800 recruits despite a call to the Karimojong to join the Force.
“We wanted more, but only 800 were available. They had to recruit from other areas. They will get an income and also contribute to security in the region,†he said.
“Next time the Police come looking for young people to join, send them. We have also decided to recruit an additional 2,000 Local Defence Unit personnel soon. Instead of the former karachuna (cattle rustlers) running around stealing cows, if they want to join and are fit, they can be recruited.â€
The President said security officers would crack down on trouble makers among the Turkana and Pokot who had fled to Kenya.
Museveni urged the Karimojong to settle down and contribute to the development of the country.
“Abim has electricity which will soon reach Kotido and other parts of the region. A line will also be connected from Soroti to Moroto and from Muyembe – Namalu, Nakapiripit to Amudat.â€
The President inspected a guard of honour and presented gifts to the best performing graduands, including Michael Lokiru, Mercy Achieng, Godfrey Otyang, Doreen Alepero and Charles Lokiru.
The President advised the new constables to be vigilant when handling cattle rustling in the region.