Kotido Leaders Rally Community To Safeguard Peace And Drive Development

Members of Parliament from Kotido District have joined security chiefs and local leaders in urging residents to deepen cooperation in sustaining peace and fostering socio-economic progress across the Karamoja sub-region.

Their message was delivered during a community-security dialogue (baraza) held at Napumpum Sub-county headquarters, which brought together security officials, local stakeholders, and hundreds of residents.

Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams (Jie County), Hon. Margaret Achilla Aleper (Kotido Woman MP), and Hon. Ismail Lomwar (Kotido Municipality) applauded the role of joint security forces in restoring stability and called on the government to accelerate the pardon and release of reformed warriors (Karacuna) still in custody.

They also welcomed the annual government provision of Shs 400 million for water production and domestic use, encouraging residents to make responsible use of the resource.

The MPs further promoted compulsory education to nurture the next generation of leaders and urged peaceful coexistence among all communities in the sub-region.

Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, appealed for unity in safeguarding the gains achieved through joint peace efforts. He emphasised the need to “use every tool and energy to consolidate our achievements” and warned against actions that could reverse recent progress.

He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to enforcing Executive Order No. 3 of May 2023, which bars armed Turkana elements from crossing into Uganda, and cautioned Karacuna against attempts to rearm or destabilise neighbouring regions. As part of ongoing agricultural support, Brig Gen Sserunkuma donated two oxen to the Napumpum Karacuna SACCO, supplementing earlier provisions of ox ploughs.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), highlighted the importance of proper livestock documentation involving LC I chairpersons and veterinary officers. He credited joint operations with reducing livestock theft, tackling illicit waragi, and improving public health.

ACP Chemusto also reminded the community of the government’s continuing amnesty for those willing to surrender illegal firearms, urging Karacuna to take advantage of reintegration and livelihood programmes.

Kotido Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr Charles Ichogor commended joint security efforts and development partners for their role in stabilising the district. He pledged fair access to public services, cautioned against illegal charcoal burning, and called for a peaceful election period.

In a symbolic gesture of peace, two sub-machine guns were voluntarily surrendered to the UPDF by former armed individuals from Rengen Sub-county and South Division in Kotido Municipality.

The baraza was also attended by the Special Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs, Ms Caro Angolore, Karacuna mobiliser Ms Judith Natuk, religious leaders, local officials, and security personnel.