GARD Facilitates Recovery of Six Illegal Firearms in Two Months

Grassroot Alliance for Rural Development (GARD) has facilitated the recovery of six illegal firearms over two months through its Women and Karacuna peace forums. The latest recovery involved an AK-47 rifle, No. 53443, voluntarily handed over by Lochiam Lokaino in Nakwakwa Parish, Maaru Sub-County, on December 11, 2024.

This milestone follows the recovery of three firearms just a week earlier. In that case, Lokomol Daudi, Peter Lochu Loose, and Lokutu Lochubae voluntarily surrendered their weapons to joint security forces after participating in dialogue sessions organized by GARD.

Ambrose Toolit, CEO of GARD, has been at the forefront of these successful dialogues. Toolit highlighted the organization’s strategy of engaging relatives and spouses of armed individuals to encourage them to embrace the amnesty extended by Uganda's President.

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During the handover of the recovered firearm to UPDF authorities at the 405 Brigade, six individuals detained during intelligence-led operations were also released. The released individuals include Lomeri Lokwi, Lokello Apalotodo, Lopiite Lotiang John, Apalokudo, Apaloluk, and Kapel Daniel. 

Kapel Daniel, who had been in detention for two months, praised GARD's intervention, which secured his release. “I urge those still possessing illegal firearms to return them. Living peacefully is far better than being in detention,” Kapel said, adding that while his detention disrupted his plans for the year, he remains optimistic about moving forward.

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Toolit urged local authorities to prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who surrender firearms or are released from detention. “If we are talking about fostering peace, we must ensure that those who surrender their guns are protected and supported, rather than being stigmatized or threatened,” he appealed.

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Toolit warned that ostracizing these individuals might drive them to flee their homes and re-arm themselves, undermining efforts toward lasting peace.