The Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Peter Lokeris, has urged the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) and other security agencies to engage closely with local communities to ensure lasting peace in the Karamoja sub-region.
“If you want to be successful in your operations, listen to the local community,” Hon. Lokeris emphasised during a Baraza meeting in Kanawat Parish, Moroto District.
Reflecting on the disarmament process, Minister Lokeris recounted a conversation with the President: “When the disarmament started, I told the President that taking away guns from us and our neighbours would finish us. The President smiled and said, ‘If your neighbours don’t sweep their house, you also don’t clean yours?’ I replied, ‘No, I sweep mine,’ and the President said, ‘That’s why I’m cleaning my house.’”
He praised the Karimojong who have peacefully surrendered their firearms and urged those still armed to relinquish their weapons, highlighting the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, commended the people of Kotido for their commitment to the President’s call for peace, urging the community to reject criminality and champion peace for socio-economic transformation.
Kotido District Local Council V Chairperson, Mr. Lotee Paul Komol, praised the UPDF for their pivotal role in fostering peace in Karamoja. “I can confidently say that when Maj Gen Don William Nabasa arrived here, there was significant progress in peace. He came to work with all the people,” he stated.
He acknowledged government efforts to improve infrastructure and implement productive programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which have uplifted living standards. Mr. Lotee noted that the Karimojong are embracing the disarmament initiative and affirmed local leadership’s ongoing support until the region achieves full peace.
During the Baraza meeting, two Karacunas (reformed warriors) voluntarily handed over their guns to the UPDF, underscoring the community’s commitment to the disarmament process.
In a show of appreciation, Maj Gen Don William Nabasa and Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye were welcomed into Karamoja culture and given Karimojong names.
The Baraza saw a high-profile turnout, including State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon Wamala Nambozo Florence, RDC Kotido district Mr. Charles Ichogor, Director Defence Public Information Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, senior UPDF and Uganda Police officers, as well as community leaders.