The cattle were raided by Karamojong warriors and recovered during separate operations as security forces intensified efforts to combat livestock theft.
In July 2021, the government of Uganda launched Usalama Kwa Yote Operations to disarm all the Karamojong who had illegal firearms. The operations have seen considerable success since its inception.
The report shows that 1170 guns and 9217 rounds of ammunition were seized while 53,253 livestock were recovered, 29,321 suspected cattle rustlers were arrested and 2091 have been prosecuted.
The leaders who serve as the chairpersons of security committees at the sub-county level have been at the forefront of advocating for peace and disarmament. However, they are now living in fear as they are being targeted by the armed Karamojong warriors who accuse them of working with the Security forces to frustrate their cattle raid missions.
The region experienced some relative peace for the last nine months following peace dialogues which led to the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms. However, in the last four months, the insecurity resurfaced in the sub-counties of Rupa, Katikekile, and Lotisan
Judith Natuk, a community mobilizer, warned of escalating insecurity as some warriors refused to surrender their guns. She noted fresh attacks, urging joint efforts to apprehend wrongdoers and recover stolen firearms.
Charles Donaldson Ogira, the Coordinator for Karamoja Human Rights Network noted that there are several cases of land grabbing and extrajudicial killings which are not brought to the attention of the public in the region.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson said that there is a need for the general public to enhance alertness at all levels during the Easter season.
This operation resulted in the forceful recovery of a Sub Machine Gun (SMG) with serial number P07743 BC, along with another numberless SMG, accompanied by 17 live rounds of ammunition.
Busizoori said that other parts of the country have developed but Karamoja has remained backward because of tribal fights and lamentations. He appealed to the leaders to sensitize the people to desist from tribal fights but instead coexist as one to pave the way for development.
Maj Isaac Oware, the UPDF 3rd Division Spokesperson told URN that the forces have witnessed a number of guns recovered both forcefully and voluntarily handed over in the month of January.
Samuel Kalisa Bigirwa, the Chief Administrative Officer confirmed a receipt of 10686 iron sheets in the first phase to benefit 411 households. The iron sheets distribution exercise started on Thursday and it will run up to Sunday from the respective parishes.
The Office of the Prime Minister launched the distribution of iron sheets on Thursday in Abim district and the exercise is expected to continue to other districts respectively. At least 28 members are targeted to benefit from the iron sheets in the first phase in the Abim town council.
Michael Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson said on Wednesday that the Forces responded swiftly by conducting an operation that led to his arrest and recovery of a gun.
In November 2023, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja flagged off the first consignment of iron sheets for distribution in the Karamoja sub-region. In the first phase of the exercise, 97,552 iron sheets will be distributed to 3,752 beneficiaries across all the nine districts of Karamoja.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto regional police spokesperson noted that out of the 265 guns recovered, at list 106 guns and 1206 ammunition were recovered voluntarily in the 42 Karachunas based engagement meetings held across the sub region.
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.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, expressed concern about potential criminal activities anticipated within communities, with motorcycles potentially being used to facilitate crimes.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF 3rd division, explained that the absence of accessible roads in mountainous areas makes it arduous to apprehend armed criminals. He noted that these criminals utilize the mountainous terrain to monitor security movements and evade capture by escaping to higher ground.
According to Security, they are anticipating an increase in cattle theft and burglary during the festive season as hardcore criminals ignore calls to surrender the illegal firearms in their possession.
Charles Logit from Nabilatuk district surrendered his weapon last Saturday following engagements with reformed warrior security units. Loneliness in the bush, coupled with the demise and surrender of his comrades, led Logit to seek a way to surrender his gun, reassured by the safe return of his colleagues.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy commander UPDF 3rd division said that they have started their operations against the Turkana Pastoralists because they partly contribute to the insecurity in the region.
