Police in Karamoja Step Up Sensitization Drive on Disarmament

The Police in Karamoja has embarked on a community sensitization drive to curb crime.

Currently, security personnel are battling to remove illegal firearms which have been blamed on cattle rustling, insecurity and other related crimes.

Despite the ongoing disarmament scheduled to end on October 17, police say crimes related to illegal possession of firearms are common. For instance, cattle theft using weapons such as guns and arrows are still high while incidents of insecurity are as well high.

Since September, at least 370 heads of cattle and more than 150 goats have reportedly been stolen from the region with only 99 recovered.

According to the UPDF, the increase in theft is due to the regrouping of the suspected warriors who have left their homes to live in the jungles after the criminal was not reported to authorities.

In a bid to reduce cattle thefts and ensure successful disarmament, the police have called for community vigilance and prompt reporting to the security organs.

The sensitization, headed by the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Commander Francis Chemustu, comprises of DPCs, Astu commandants, UPDF area commander GISOs and other security personnel.

Michael Longole, the Police Spokesperson for Mt. Moroto Region says the training started in hot spot Sub Counties in each district to encourage the community to liaise with the police in identifying criminals and persons with illegal guns.

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The sensitization is targeting elders, women and youth with the view that they urge the armed warriors to hand over guns voluntarily.

Local leaders have also been asked to ensure they report to the authorities all visitors and members of the area who have gone missing. This is after intelligence discovered that about 30 warriors in Kaabong are operating in the areas between Kaabong and Kotido.

The UPDF and police are following the group and some of the members have been arrested, says Capt. Edrin Mawanda, the Public Relations Officer for 3rd Division.

Earlier, Peace Committee members and village Chairpersons were scared away after they seemingly appeared to be targeted by warriors for giving intelligence to security personnel.