The recent operations in Kotido, Kaabong and other parts of Karamoja forced many men out of their homes in fear of being arrested as suspected cattle rustlers and tried in the military court, leaving just vulnerable persons in the homes in what police say could lead to more suffering of innocent people.
Police in Karamoja have made a call to
self-exiled men in the region who are seen as bread winners to return home from
their forced exile since they took off from their homes following serious
operations to enforce disarmament by the joint forces.
The recent operations in Kotido, Kaabong and other parts of Karamoja forced many men out of their homes in fear of being arrested as suspected cattle rustlers and tried in the military court, leaving just vulnerable persons in the homes in what police say could lead to more suffering of innocent people.
Mt. Moroto regional police spokesperson, Michael Longole
says they are not targeting all men as per say but only persons with illegal
guns who even include women.
He encouraged those out in the ranges to peacefully return as
the operation does not target all. He also explained that the forceful
disarmament that started last month is intelligence led and therefore it only
targets people in possession of illegal guns.
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Last week, during community policing in Moroto district,
police also encouraged elders to ask their exiled children to return home.
“Let your children who have abandoned homes come back," said the Moroto DPC David Nyesigire. "This
operation only targets armed warriors and cattle raiders. People should live
peacefully and cooperate with us in dealing with criminality.”
The calls by police to warriors to return home has drawn
mixed reactions from the public.
A section of the public has joined the police in drumming the return home call, but some leaders are denying that the communities are deserted.
John
Robert Adupa Akiiki, the L C 3 Chairman of Lotisan in Moroto district says in
his area there are no men who have ran away from their homes. But he notes that the forces are aware of the pockets of the few areas where armed criminals
exist and adding the security forces should act.
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The Kitido District Chairperson, Paul Lotee also says his
community is all living at home and no warriors have sought haven in wilderness.
“Who says my people are not in their homes?" charged Lotee. "No one has ran
away. Running from what? People were only terrified by the recent exchange and
the operation in Panyangara. As of now, we are peaceful and carrying on with
normal business despite some raids.”
