The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, has called for closer collaboration among security agencies, local leaders, and communities in Kotido and Kabong districts to address cross-border cattle theft, communal conflict, and highway insecurity.
Speaking during a joint security meeting at Lokomebu Sub-county Headquarters, Maj Gen Sserunkuma said security challenges affecting the two neighbouring districts require a coordinated response that extends beyond administrative boundaries.
The meeting brought together the Resident District Commissioners of Kotido and Kabong, district and sub-county security committees, local government leaders, kraal leaders, peace committee members, religious leaders and Local Council I chairpersons.
Maj Gen Sserunkuma said issues such as cattle theft, the movement of armed groups and communal conflicts should be addressed collectively to create a stable environment for socio-economic development.
“These efforts must not stop at the district level. We must take peace deep into the communities and villages,” he said.
He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Karamoja sub-region and directed local leaders and security agencies to continue implementing the Presidential directives on restoring peace and security.
“Cattle, illegal firearms, people and conflicts move across boundaries. Security must therefore be managed jointly with the active involvement of communities and local leaders,” he added.
Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor commended the joint security initiative, saying it would strengthen peaceful coexistence between neighbouring communities. He urged residents to embrace dialogue and reconciliation while reminding those still in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the Presidential pardon and surrender them.
Kabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek said lasting peace begins within communities and encouraged residents to report security threats promptly to enable timely intervention. He also cautioned against criminal activities that could undermine the gains made in restoring stability.
The Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), ACP Francis Chemusto, appealed to residents to reject mob justice, discourage cattle raiding, prioritise education for children and reduce alcohol abuse as part of efforts to prevent violence.
Kotido District LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lotee urged communities to maintain harmony despite clan differences, saying sustained cooperation was essential for long-term peace in Karamoja.
Local leaders also welcomed the dialogue initiative. LC III Councillor Moses Adingdong praised the continued engagement between communities and security agencies, while Lokomebu LC I Chairperson Joseph Aena said the improved security situation was the result of cooperation between the UPDF, ASTU, local leaders and reformed warriors.
Community representatives welcomed the peace resolutions and called for sustained government support to consolidate stability. They appealed for continued community involvement in security initiatives, the reopening of the Moroto-Abim road, intervention to address crop destruction by elephants, and commended the UPDF and ASTU for recovering stolen cattle.
The meeting was convened as part of the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division’s ongoing efforts to support peace, security and stability in Karamoja.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Lolelia, South, Sidok and Lanyoro sub-counties in Kabong District, and Rengen, Longoromit, Kacheri, Nakapelimoru and Kotido North Division in Kotido District.
