AMUDAT-The district leaders in Sebei and Karamoja Sub-regions and top security commanders days ago met and deliberated on the need for peaceful co-existence to attain development.
The meeting happened at Amudat district headquarters last week.
“As a result of joint security efforts, Amudat district has since registered calmness, which we must maintain jealousy,” remarked Maj [Rtd]. Betty Akello, the resident district commissioner [RDC] and chairperson of the joint meeting.
The RDC who also heads the district security committee noted that much as there’s calmness, pastoralist communities have been pushed to the neighbouring district of Kween in search of pasture and water, which calls for peaceful resource sharing and co-existence.
The 3rd Uganda People’s Defense Forces [UPDF] division commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Balikudembe, elaborated on a number of significant operational achievements in regard to the ongoing “Usalama Kwa Wote” operations, loosely translated to mean “Peace for All” in Karamoja Sub-region.
“We have recovered 657 guns and 4,198 live rounds of ammunition from criminal elements since July 2021,” adding that “Our intelligence has discovered that a few guns still in circulation have connections with some leaders, which should be handed over voluntarily,” Balikudembe told the meeting.
He called upon leaders to sacrifice and denounce criminality among communities for the sustainability of peace.
He further appealed to local governments to continue to implement development projects since isolated criminality is firmly being dealt with, adding that Karamoja can be richer and an economic hub for socio-economic transformation.
Balikudembe urged leaders to spread meaningful information about government efforts to stabilize and transform the region.
Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, who is the deputy division commander noted that safeguarding animals calls for collective responsibility. He appealed to leaders not to leave resolutions on paper but implement them for positive outcomes.
The commandant Anti Stock Theft Unit [ASTU], Elias Kasirabo, explained that animal husbandry is a very much regulated activity and enforcement has changed the scenario from commercialized raids to thefts, which are also being managed.
The commandant cited a number of acts to regulate animal husbandry and urged local leaders to abreast themselves with the laws so that they can sensitise communities on the dangers associated with unregulated animal movements.
He narrated that ASTU will continue to enhance operations at checkpoints to deal with the importation of illicit waragi and curb animal thefts in transit.
The Mount Moroto Regional Police Commander [RPC], Francis Chemusto, asked local leaders to work hard and coordinate with security forces to reduce animal-related crimes such as cattle rustling and thefts.
Paul Lokol, chairperson LC5 for Nabilatuk district said that crime in his district has been reduced as a result of security interventions.
“No need for revenge and we request permission to graze in other districts. Let us be very forgiving and embrace peace,” Lokol noted.
John Nangiro, the LC5 chairperson for Nakapiripirit district called for a crime-free environment in his district.
“We should eliminate thugs within and foster inter-pastoralist relations amongst communities,” he said.
Chelego Geoffrey, the LC5 chairperson Kween district called for a symbiotic relationship for co-existence coupled with the regulated entry of his pastoralists in the quest for resource sharing in Sebei Sub-region.
The inter-district and regional leaders composed of top security commanders, RDCs, Chairpersons LC IIIs, councilors, and others, settled for a number of resolutions and strategies to foster continued harmony and peaceful co-existence.
https://thecooperator.news/karamoja-leaders-root-for-mindset-change-as-key-factor-of-devt/
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