Moroto, Uganda – Major General Don Nabasa, the 3rd Infantry Division Commander, recently called upon elders and women to encourage the Karachunas to renounce criminality and embrace peace. He made these remarks during a peace meeting held at Kaithin Village, Loputuk Sub County, in Matheniko County, Moroto District.
“If you come out today and surrender your weapon, you will be a free person and a potential beneficiary of government programmes,” said Maj Gen Nabasa, addressing the Karachunas still in hiding. “We are planning alternative livelihoods for those who voluntarily handed over firearms and left the wilderness.”
The Major General urged the Karamojong people to unite, stop ethnic discrimination amongst themselves, and promised to facilitate inter-clan meetings to resolve conflicts.
Noting the variety of natural resources in Karamoja, Maj Gen Nabasa discouraged over-reliance on relief and instead advised locals to utilize available opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, the Deputy 3rd Infantry Division Commander, asked locals to cooperate with security forces by providing information about criminals. He said this would isolate wrongdoers, prevent insecurity and loss of lives and livestock.
Francis Chemusto, the Regional Police Commander, advised preserving crime scenes as police dogs can perfectly trace criminals, citing a recent recovery of 25 stolen goats in Katanga.
The meeting was attended by senior security officers, local leaders, Karachunas, and community members. Maj Gen Nabasa’s call highlights the need for a collaborative effort between security forces and civilians to establish lasting peace in Karamoja.