UPDF Urges Troops To Build Trust With Communities In Karamoja Peace Drive

The Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, has urged joint security forces to sustain their operational tempo while deepening relations with community leaders in the Karamoja Sub-region, in a bid to consolidate lasting peace.

Maj Gen Sserunkuma delivered the message during the official handover ceremony at the 403 Infantry Brigade headquarters in Napak District, where Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ocuka took over command from Lieutenant Colonel Morris Twongyeirwe. “I urge you officers to strengthen strategic relations with local leaders and communities alongside maintaining the current operations tempo to ensure lasting peace and stability,” said Maj Gen Sserunkuma.

He lauded local leaders for their ongoing cooperation in enforcing Executive Order No. 3 of 23 May, which, according to him, has begun to bear fruit. The General further emphasised the need to firmly tackle the remaining profiled criminal elements to preserve the achievements of the ongoing Usalama Kwa Wote operation, which spans both Karamoja and the neighbouring Teso sub-regions.

Maj Gen Sserunkuma also commended Lt Col Twongyeirwe for his collaborative leadership style, noting that it had significantly contributed to security improvements in the area.

Legislators Hon. Faith Nakut (Woman MP, Napak) and Hon. John Bosco Ngoya (Bokora County) echoed the praise for security forces, acknowledging their role in restoring relative calm across the region. However, they cautioned that pockets of criminal activity persist, and called for heightened vigilance and increased engagement between communities and security personnel. “I have confidence in the strength and discipline of the UPDF to contain any peak in criminality,” said Hon. Nakut.

The Resident District Commissioner of Napak, Mr Odongo Milton, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued leadership, which he said had guided the professionalisation of the UPDF. He attributed improved regional security and service delivery to these national efforts.

Mr Odongo reaffirmed the district’s commitment to combating corruption, intensifying public mobilisation, and fostering patriotism.

In his farewell address, Lt Col Twongyeirwe thanked his colleagues and partners for their support, urging them to maintain the same spirit of cooperation with his successor.

Both the outgoing and incoming commanders expressed gratitude to the Division and UPDF leadership for their trust, pledging unwavering service to the nation.

The ceremony was witnessed by brigade commanders, assistant RDCs Caroline Akol Lokee and Florence Acuma, commanding officers, senior personnel from the Division and Brigade Headquarters, members of the Napak District Security Committee, and various local officials.