Army recovers 4 guns in Karamoja

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The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) disarmament efforts in Karamoja region have been boosted by the recovery of four guns.

The guns were over the weekend voluntarily handed over by reformed warriors to the joint security forces representatives in Karamoja.

Karamoja districts, include Napak, Moroto, Amudat, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit. Others are Karenga, Abim, Kaabong and Kotido districts. 

UPDF Third Division administrative officer Lt. Col. Richard Butungi, who represented division commander Maj. Gen. Don William Nabasa, received a gun from Anyakun Emmanuel, a resident of Lomoruchubai village, Loleet Parish, Lorengecora sub-county in Napak district. 

Anyakun, who was accompanied by co-ordinator of Karachunas under the Karamoja Development Programme (KDP) Stephen Abura, handed over the gun at the army's Third Division headquarters at Moroto Barracks in Moroto district.

"We encourage the gesture of voluntary approach to disarmament operations. As we give you (Anyakun Emmanuel) a certificate, you are now a free man and I urge you to persuade other Karacunas to do the same," Butungi said.

Two Karacunas, Igira Lourian and Ekude Apalosira both residents of Kamuru sub-county in Kotido district handed over two guns, number UE 55721998 (with two bullets) and 05552 respectively to Maj Emmy Kafureka, the Commanding officer of 43 Infantry Battalion which operates under 405 Brigade area of responsibility in North Karamoja.

While the fourth gun (Number 84 mp 5356 BC with one bullet) was received from Loiki Ekeno Simon, a resident of Lotim sub-county, in Kaabong district and handed over to Lt Col Gaston Mugarura, the commanding officer of 45 Infantry Battalion.

The latest recovery of guns comes at a time when top commanders of disarmament operations and senior leaders across the region spearhead campaigns on security — community mobilisation, voluntary and positive mindset change strategies considering the Amnesty window as guided by the strategic leadership.

This was confirmed by Third Division UPDF spokesperson Maj. Isaac Oware. 

About the disarmament drive

The ongoing disarmament operation code-named ‘Usalama Kwa Wote,’ loosely translated as 'peace for all' is a joint effort by security forces in close collaboration with respective local governments in northeastern Uganda and employs both voluntary and forceful approaches.