UPDF restored peace in Karamoja in 2009
<b>By Felix Kulayigye</b><br><br>Reading Richard Todwong’s article in the New Vision of December 23, 2009, we in the UPDF feel extolled, indeed venerated by his assessment of the People’s army. Since the article is right, we are obliged to account for our activities in the year ending in line
By Felix Kulayigye
Reading Richard Todwong’s article in the New Vision of December 23, 2009, we in the UPDF feel extolled, indeed venerated by his assessment of the People’s army. Since the article is right, we are obliged to account for our activities in the year ending in line with being an effective, efficient accountable force.
Our cardinal duties include ensuring a peaceful Uganda. From Agoro Hills on the Sudan border to Muhabura Hills in Kisoro; Mt Elgon in the East to the Rwenzoris in the West, Uganda is irreversibly peaceful. This year, the UPDF carried out a successful disarmament programme in Karamoja, which has yielded 27,621 guns since the start of the programme.
The districts neighbouring Karamoja are now settled and the roads are passable since there are no more ambushes. Within Karamoja itself, serious government programmes are taking shape and the minister for Karamoja affairs, Janet Museveni, is full of praises for the UPDF and has pledged to strengthen civil and military relations.
On the international front the UPDF continued to serve on international peace initiatives, which have earned Uganda international accolades. Her Marjesty the Queen of England hailed Ugandan troops for their courage and professionalism.
Modernisation and professionalising the UPDF has continued through training.
Our cooperation with sister forces from the East African Community countries and beyond saw the successful hosting of exercise ‘Natural Fire 10’ in Kitgum district. At the end of the exercise, the local community in Kitgum had benefited in business terms.
Continuous participation of our intelligence squads in the joint task force operations in DR-Congo and Central African Republic which has forced several LRA Commanders like Charles Arop to surrender while others have been killed.
Total rifles charged
The UPDF also managed to recover 260 rifles and SMGs and pistols. Other assorted items were also charged and recovered. Eight laptops computers, one computer printer, five satellite phones and mobile phone, 12 solar panels, 11 generators and four tents.
The UPDF also killed some rebels including, commanders like Lt Col. Okello Yapee, Lt Col Okuti. While the following defected: Lt Col Arop Charles, Maj. Okot Atiak Joseph, Capt Obali, Lt Ojok Michael.
The UPDF also commissioned the integrated resource management system which is aimed at improving the management of personnel. This system will ensure the end of ghost soldiers and losses of their salaries.
The UPDF top leadership has also been continually engaged in dialogue with their counterparts from the Great Lakes Region particularly Congo aimed at looking for solutions for our military challenges.
Acquisition of 15 modern marine boats, and an orthopaedic centre at Mubende Rehabilitation Centre was a big achievement for the army.
The army also launched the WASACCO E-Banking System, which can now enable our soldiers to access their savings from any corner of the country by putting various branches on the same network.
The army also opened the Defence and UPDF Press Centre at Mbuya, this is commendable. The UPDF also acquired modern medical equipment to facilitate the sustained fight against HIV/AIDS in the army, thanks to the US government.
On soldiers’ welfare, construction of a new barracks and renovation of old ones has gone a long way in solving accommodation difficulties.
We have continued to support civil authorities in consonance with the constitution. When the nation was being threatened by the enemies of peace on September 9, 2009, the UPDF supported the Police in restoring law and order.
In short, we have walked our talk, we have remained a people’s army, but there is still unfinished business, hence Aluta continua.
The writer is the UPDF/Army spokesperson
Reading Richard Todwong’s article in the New Vision of December 23, 2009, we in the UPDF feel extolled, indeed venerated by his assessment of the People’s army. Since the article is right, we are obliged to account for our activities in the year ending in line with being an effective, efficient accountable force.
Our cardinal duties include ensuring a peaceful Uganda. From Agoro Hills on the Sudan border to Muhabura Hills in Kisoro; Mt Elgon in the East to the Rwenzoris in the West, Uganda is irreversibly peaceful. This year, the UPDF carried out a successful disarmament programme in Karamoja, which has yielded 27,621 guns since the start of the programme.
The districts neighbouring Karamoja are now settled and the roads are passable since there are no more ambushes. Within Karamoja itself, serious government programmes are taking shape and the minister for Karamoja affairs, Janet Museveni, is full of praises for the UPDF and has pledged to strengthen civil and military relations.
On the international front the UPDF continued to serve on international peace initiatives, which have earned Uganda international accolades. Her Marjesty the Queen of England hailed Ugandan troops for their courage and professionalism.
Modernisation and professionalising the UPDF has continued through training.
Our cooperation with sister forces from the East African Community countries and beyond saw the successful hosting of exercise ‘Natural Fire 10’ in Kitgum district. At the end of the exercise, the local community in Kitgum had benefited in business terms.
Continuous participation of our intelligence squads in the joint task force operations in DR-Congo and Central African Republic which has forced several LRA Commanders like Charles Arop to surrender while others have been killed.
Total rifles charged
The UPDF also managed to recover 260 rifles and SMGs and pistols. Other assorted items were also charged and recovered. Eight laptops computers, one computer printer, five satellite phones and mobile phone, 12 solar panels, 11 generators and four tents.
The UPDF also killed some rebels including, commanders like Lt Col. Okello Yapee, Lt Col Okuti. While the following defected: Lt Col Arop Charles, Maj. Okot Atiak Joseph, Capt Obali, Lt Ojok Michael.
The UPDF also commissioned the integrated resource management system which is aimed at improving the management of personnel. This system will ensure the end of ghost soldiers and losses of their salaries.
The UPDF top leadership has also been continually engaged in dialogue with their counterparts from the Great Lakes Region particularly Congo aimed at looking for solutions for our military challenges.
Acquisition of 15 modern marine boats, and an orthopaedic centre at Mubende Rehabilitation Centre was a big achievement for the army.
The army also launched the WASACCO E-Banking System, which can now enable our soldiers to access their savings from any corner of the country by putting various branches on the same network.
The army also opened the Defence and UPDF Press Centre at Mbuya, this is commendable. The UPDF also acquired modern medical equipment to facilitate the sustained fight against HIV/AIDS in the army, thanks to the US government.
On soldiers’ welfare, construction of a new barracks and renovation of old ones has gone a long way in solving accommodation difficulties.
We have continued to support civil authorities in consonance with the constitution. When the nation was being threatened by the enemies of peace on September 9, 2009, the UPDF supported the Police in restoring law and order.
In short, we have walked our talk, we have remained a people’s army, but there is still unfinished business, hence Aluta continua.
The writer is the UPDF/Army spokesperson