The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kapelebyong, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kapelebyong district has allocated more than 200 acres of land to the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) for establishment of an army brigade in the district .
The land in Amugit Village, Kapelebyong Sub County is located along the border with Napak district in Karamoja sub region. The decision to avail land for the army was approved by the district over insecurity occurrences.
On Wednesday, the UPDF 3rd Division Deputy Commander, Brig. Gen. Karate Wilberforce Sserunkuma led a team to tour the site ahead of the official handover exercise.
The team accompanied by district leadership including the LCV Chairman, Francis Akorikin, the Resident District Commissioner, Tom Olinga Otukol and Kapelebyong Sub County Political leadership said that they’re ready to establish an army unit in the proposed area if all the necessary land acquisition processes are completed.
In his submission to the UPDF leadership, Akorikin said the district is committed to supporting the army in the process of establishing the brigade. According to him, a community meeting to finalise all the necessary documentation will be held on July 18th, 2024, for submission to the UPDF.
“This land is totally free. The Karamojong warriors jungle in these bushes but establishing a brigade in this place will mark an end to cattle rustling which has posed a serious economic loss to our people,” said Akorikin.
The tour on the land under scorching sun met ululations from the community residents, who described the establishment of the brigade in Kapelebyong as a lasting solution to the long insecurity situation in the area.
James Abiar, a resident of Okoboi appreciated the district leadership for reviving the bid for brigade establishment in Kapelebyong. He said that they had almost forgotten about the pledge for security beef in the area when the proposal to host the brigade went silent.
Joseph Opolot, another resident and businessman in the area is optimistic that the establishment of brigade will help stabilize and boost business.
But Richard Okiru, the district council speaker urged the community to desist from frustrating the efforts of brigade establishment in the district. “We offered this land for the establishment of an army brigade 10 years ago. We are greatly humbled by the consideration of UPDF to keep our hopes alive,” said Okiru.
Last week, residents of Okore sub county in Katakwi district also offered 100 acres of land for establishment of a UPDF Brigade in the district. This is in addition to the update artillery training and the Police Anti- Terrorist schools in the district. Both schools are located at the border with Karamoja.
