KAABONG: Senior leaders and top security commanders in Karamoja Sub-region have pledged to do more to end cross-border criminality among the Dodoth in Kaabong district in Uganda and Turkana in Kenya.
Their decision comes days after some cattle rustlers from Kaabong district reportedly raided dozens of livestock from Turkana County in Kenya.
At a joint district security coordination meeting, chaired by Augustine Modo, the deputy Resident district commissioner held at Kaabong district headquarters, the senior leaders and commanders condemned the act and vowed to end the crimes being committed in the area.
“The district has been calm except for the recent unfortunate skirmishes and raids by cattle rustlers across in the neighbourhood,” remarked Modo.
He added: “As responsible leaders in authority we totally condemn this act and call upon immediate redress.”
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] 3rd Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe told leaders in Kaabong it was important to end all crimes in the communities.
“I urge you the leaders to denounce criminality, unite and work towards a common goal,” remarked Balikudembe.
He noted that some livestock thefts are planned and conducted with the knowledge of leaders and that in some cases their relatives are involved.
“Leaders know and plead for some criminals to be released when caught by security agencies,” he explained.
Balikudembe emphasised that the ongoing disarmament operation codenamed Usalama Kwa Wote has achieved a lot in terms of arms and livestock scores, where over 615 guns and 3,998 ammunition respectively have been recovered since July 2021.
Balikudembe who also doubles as the chairperson of disarmament committee cautioned the leaders against blame games, spreading diversionary information, saying that they should instead embrace harmony and unity in order to consolidate relative peace in the sub-region.
Joseph Lokutu Mukasa, Kaabong district LCV vice chairperson urged the local leaders to double their efforts in fighting insecurity in the area. “Use the governance structures and mobilise the masses to recover guns, stolen animals and hold peace initiatives with the neighbours,” he said.
He appealed to fellow leaders not to politicise cattle raids for selfish interests but work towards achieving security and peace in the Karamoja Sub-region.
https://thecooperator.news/updf-recovers-over-600-guns-in-karamoja/
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