UPDF changes commanders for 3rd infantry division

Jan 10, 2020

The 3rd Division which oversees Karamoja among other districts in eastern Uganda will now be headed by Brig. Joseph Balikudembe.

KARAMOJA: The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has made changes in its 3rd Infantry Division by swapping commanders in the second authority.
 
The 3rd Division which oversees Karamoja among other districts in eastern Uganda will now be headed by Brig. Joseph Balikudembe, a seasoned commander in the sub-region.
 
He replaces Brig. Julius Biryabarema now transferred to Kakiri 1st Division headquarters as second in command from Moroto. The switch of offices surfaces barely three months after Biryabarema replaced Col. Moses Kwikiriza, who now heads the alpine division in the Ruwenzori Mountains.
 
However, Balikudembe has over the years worked in Karamoja as a battalion commander, both as 3rd division's Intelligence officer and administrative officer.
 
The division's public relation officer, Maj. Telesphar Turyamumanya, said the changes are normal routine in the UPDF.
 
"We have just swapped our officers who were manning offices as deputy commanders of these two areas," he said.
 
The changes come at a time when Karamoja is mourning the death of Dan Majorie Loyomo, who was the former LC3 chairperson for Rupa sub-county in Moroto district.
 
He was shot dead by a yet to be identified UPDF soldier inside Kidepo army detachment,  in the process of securing calm among violent residents.
 
However, the remains are still stuck with the army two weeks into his death after the UPDF offered to keep the body overnight to allow the family prepare for burial the next day.
 
Now in a twist of events, the family has abandoned the body with the army, demanding for a hefty sum of compensation to cater for over 50 children of the deceased.
 
They also demanded trial of its commanders below the division command and also ensure sustainable peace returns to Karamoja before burial can take place.
 
Apparently, due to re-armament by the locals, armed raids are the order of the day in the region that has enjoyed almost a decade of  prevailing peace.
 
However, Turyamumanya said the army had started strategic interventions to reverse the escalating raids in the sub region.
 
He identified one of them as intensified dialogues with the kraal leaders and the teens so as to engage in sessions that could lead to change of behaviour.
 
"We want to ensure these people have soft power sessions that could lead to a better Karamoja," Turyamumanya said.
 
In addition, he said the army had also reinforced the soldiers on ground to handle the stubborn rustlers, urging them to surrender the illegal arms or else risk prosecution.

 

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