MPs conclude peace mission in Karamoja

Kotido, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Legislators from Karamoja have concluded their tour in the region to preach peace in the wake of the increasing insecurity resulting from cattle raids. The security in the region is fragile due to the proliferation of illegal firearms entering the region from South Sudan.

The chairperson of the Karamoja Parliamentary Group-KPG, Remigio Acia, the Bokora County Member of Parliament led the team. The other members included Ismael Muhammad Lomwar, the Kotido Municipality MP, Peter Lokeris, Chekwii County MP, Margaret Achilla, Kotido Woman MP, Rose Akello, Karenga Woman MP and Francis Adome, Moroto Municipality MP among others.

The legislators concluded their tour to various districts in the region on Sunday despite the nationwide lockdown aimed at disrupting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and parliament sanctioned the meetings.

The more than 20 legislators travelling in one bus moved from one district to another from Thursday spreading a message of peace and consulting the people how the region can sustain durable peace. They finalized the tour with discussions with the residents of Abim district where the cattle raids have been common since late 2015.

They had similar meetings in Kaabong, Karenga and Kotido districts. These were a follow up on previous meetings held earlier this month with leaders in South Karamoja comprising Nakapiripirit, Napak, Amudat, and Moroto districts.

The MPs appealed to the communities to support the UPDF and other security agencies in identifying and handing over criminals for prosecution. The MPs encouraged the warriors to embrace peace and tranquility, which are the cornerstones of development.

The team leader, Remigio Acia said they are encouraging the community to become peace actors and embrace the second disarmament program that started early this month.

The Karenga Resident District Commissioner, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka urged the MPs to advocate for a special fund to facilitate security and intelligence personnel in the region involved in the ongoing disarmament program.

Hashaka said the disarmament program requires that government equip the military with all necessary logistics and equipment to carry out a successful operation.

UPDF has declared a three-month disarmament program in Karamoja, which started voluntarily before the forceful exercise began. So far, the army has recovered dozens of illegal firearms and arrested several people awaiting prosecution in the court-martial.

Joseph Komol Midi, the Kaabong County MP says there is need to reinforce UPDF in the area to subdue the enemy.

The MPs and the local leaders are due to review their findings and chat a way forward later today in Nabilatuk district. Simon Longole, the Director Karamoja Development Forum, an NGO that advocates for the rights of pastoralists has welcomed the intervention of the MPs to discuss security matters that often affect pastoralists.

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