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Moroto, Ugandan | THE INDEPENDENT | The joint security forces have registered success following the presidential executive order stopping the charcoal trade.
In May 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued Executive Order Number 3 to stop the commercialized charcoal trade and stop the Turkana pastoralists from grazing in the Karamoja region.
As a result, the joint forces intensified operations against charcoal burning and flashing out Turkana pastoralists from the districts of Karamoja. The forces moved a step to regulate the livestock markets and animal transportation routes which contributed to the reduction of commercialized cattle raids.
The region is currently experiencing relative peace following the successful operations by the joint security forces.
Elias Kasirabo, the commandant Anti Stock Theft Unit- ASTUs noted that the presidential directives have helped the security forces to manage the operations and reclaimed relative peace in the region.
Kasirabo said that the creation of verification centers and regulation of livestock movement has been able to verify 36,179 cattle and 27,940 goats of which 128 were found stolen while 13 suspects have been arrested since May this year.
Kasirabo observed that they also impounded 4,019 bags of charcoal through the same security checkpoints. He added that at least 3,299 bags have been disposed of while 720 are still pending court orders for disposal.
Kasirabo said that they also supported the livestock traders to acquire relevant documents such as cattle traders’ licenses unlike previously when everyone was purchasing cows without guidance.
Kasirabo highlighted that markets like Kawanat in Kotido and Ocorimongin from Katakwi used to be hotspots for selling stolen animals.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the UPDF 3rd Division Deputy Commander said that they have collected more guns after they embarked on Karachunas.
He noted that the direct mobilization of Karachunas created collaboration between the forces and community which helped to create peace while only a few hard-core criminals are still at large.
Busizoori also observed that the leaders who were taken for ideological training have done a recommendable job in the recovery of more guns because of the patriotic lessons they were taken through.
Busizoori said that the expulsion of the Turkana Pastoralists out of the region has addressed the problem of rearmament among the Karamojong.
He noted that they faced many challenges during the disarmament operations since the armed Turkana could rearm the Karamojong warriors.
Meanwhile, the Mt. Moroto regional police have also noted a reduction in general crimes between January 2022 and November 2023.
Francis Chemusto, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Commander, said that they have registered 4,730 cases in 2022 and 3,370 in 2023, with a reduction of 1360 in the selected crimes.
Chemusto attributed the reduction of cases to enhanced community mobilization to create awareness campaigns and encourage the local people to cooperate with security.
He also revealed that there has been success in the usage of canine dogs where out of 56 cases registered between January and November 2023, at least 34 cases were successfully managed and the suspects have been prosecuted before the courts of law.
Chemusto highlighted that the operations against illicit gin have greatly contributed to the reduction of assault cases in the region which initially used to be leading in the national statistics.
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