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During a security-community engagement (baraza) in Kawalakol Sub County, Karenga District leaders and security officials called on residents to embrace peace for socio-economic progress.

Senior leaders and commanders have urged the residents of Karenga District to fully embrace peace, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering substantial socio-economic development. This appeal was made during a security-community engagement (baraza) at Kawalakol Sub County, aimed at promoting stability in North Karamoja.

The meeting followed recent threats against locals after the elimination of a notorious warrior, Issa Lokuria, by joint security forces last month.

Hon. Akello Rose Lilly, Karenga’s Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, encouraged residents to remain alert and support peaceful coexistence as the government implements transformative initiatives in the Karamoja Sub-region. She underscored the significance of community participation, stating, “I urge you, the community, to stay vigilant, watchful of any criminal behavior, as the government continues to enhance livelihoods through programs like PDM and Emyooga.”

Hon. Akello also reassured locals of the government’s commitment to resolving human-wildlife conflicts by allocating resources to erect an electric fence around Kidepo Valley National Park.

Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Commander of the 3 Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), urged locals to utilize the current Amnesty Window to surrender their firearms peacefully. He warned that those who refuse to comply will face forceful actions from security forces and the full weight of the law.

Addressing concerns about identifying criminal elements, Maj Gen Nabasa stated, “We use technology to track criminals, so those seeking revenge should direct it towards us, the security forces, not innocent civilians,” stressing the role of technological advancements in apprehending suspects.

Mr. Filbert Ocailap, Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner, urged host communities to adopt proactive strategies such as neighborhood watches, exercising caution with visitors, and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, warned against early marriages, a common issue in the region, and emphasized the need for community engagement in crime prevention.

The baraza was attended by Brig Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, and Col David Byaruhanga, Commander of the 405 Brigade, along with other prominent figures including SSP Sooma Nelson George, Regional Police Commander for the Kidepo Region, and various local leaders and members of the Karenga District Security Committee.