The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, through its Department of Entomology, in collaboration with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, has launched a mass livestock spraying exercise aimed at protecting animals against diseases and safeguarding pastoral livelihoods in Karamoja. The programme covered five parishes of Lokial, Kocholo, Nakitemiet, Kumet and Sangar, as well as Kawalakol and Nasapewae sub-counties and Kapedo Sub-County.
The exercise was launched by the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. John Baptist Lokii, together with the Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Brigadier General Michael Walaka Hyeroba, in Sangar Sub-County, Kumei Parish, Kumet Village, Karenga District.
Hon. Lokii thanked residents for turning up in large numbers with their animals, describing the spraying exercise as an important intervention in protecting livestock and supporting pastoral livelihoods.
He appreciated the President for providing the free exercise and called on communities across Karamoja to resolve disputes peacefully.
The Minister also urged Karenga District officials to undertake household registration to provide the government with accurate data for effective planning and service delivery.
Brig Gen Hyeroba said community participation remains critical in combating cattle theft and restoring lasting peace in the region, noting that livestock is the main source of livelihood for many households in Karamoja.
“The thieves who are stealing our animals come from within us and from far. Report those wrong elements so that they are flushed out of the community. Don’t live or cohabit with thieves. Report them so that they can be arrested and face the long arm of the law,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
The Minister of Ethics and Integrity and Karenga Woman Member of Parliament, Hon Rose Lilly Akello, cautioned against individuals attempting to commercialise the exercise, emphasising that it is a free government programme.
“Report anyone who tries to ask for money from you. The acaricides are free, and the veterinary personnel are catered for,” Hon Akello said.
Following the launch, the delegation held separate security meetings with the Napore community in Karenga, the Dodoth community in Kaabong and residents of Kapedo Sub-County to discuss security concerns. Additional engagements were conducted at Kapedo Town Centre and Mogos Village in Karenga District.
During the meetings, leaders called on communities to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through established government and local structures.
Brig Gen Hyeroba emphasised that community cooperation remains essential to effective security operations.
“UPDF is not enough in itself to manage its duties without community support. I request your timely information, support and cooperation. Identify the collaborators and report them to security in time before they cause mayhem,” Brig Gen Hyeroba said.
He further warned against illegal possession of firearms, stressing that ownership of unlicensed guns is a criminal offence.
“I urge you to voluntarily hand over weapons in your possession. If security finds you with a weapon, you will face the law,” he said.
The engagements were attended by Dodoth West MP Hon Baatom Ben Koryang, Napore West MP Hon Lokii Fidelis, Karenga LCV Councillor Hon Paul Lopeyok, Karenga Resident District Commissioner Mr Taban Peter Data, Commander 405 Brigade Col Ruziro Nuwagaba and Deputy Regional Police Commander for North Karamoja SSP Wandera Jamada.
