By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: A prominent Ugandan figure, whose name is Mukula, is being lauded for his significant contributions to peace and security in various regions of the country, notably his successful motion to disarm the volatile Karamoja region. Mukula’s efforts have been instrumental in mitigating conflict and fostering stability across Uganda.
His most notable achievement is spearheading the disarmament of the Karamoja region. The area, notorious for cattle rustling and armed conflicts, was plagued by an estimated 60,000 illegal firearms. These weapons were frequently used to raid cattle in neighboring regions, including Acholi, Lango, Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, and even within Karamoja itself, resulting in widespread violence and instability. Mukula successfully moved a motion that led to a comprehensive disarmament program, significantly reducing the availability of these weapons and effectively halting the deadly raids and killings that terrorized the affected communities.
Beyond Karamoja, Mukula played a pivotal role in combating the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in the early 2000s. Recognizing the urgent need for local defense forces, he spearheaded the formation of the Arrow militia in the Teso region and Amuka in Lango, establishing 16 Battalions in the Teso region alone. These militias provided crucial support to the national army in the fight against the LRA, protecting communities from the rebels’ brutal attacks and contributing significantly to the eventual pacification of the region. This initiative in June 2003 demonstrated his commitment to proactive security measures and community empowerment in the face of armed conflict.
Mukula’s dedication to peace extends beyond military interventions. He facilitated a successful peace mission in the Rwenzori region, paving the way for the return of Irema-ngoma, the revered cultural head of the Rwenzururu kingdom, from the United States. This delicate negotiation and mediation process helped to heal divisions and foster reconciliation within the region, highlighting his ability to leverage cultural understanding and diplomacy to resolve complex social issues.
Further demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian efforts, Mukula played a significant role in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. He participated in the recovery and dignified burial of thousands of Rwandan bodies found in Kasensero (Rakai district) and Mpigi, along the Akagera River and Lake Victoria confluence. This somber task, undertaken with compassion and respect, offered closure to grieving families and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation in the wake of devastating conflict.
Mukula has also been a long-time supporter of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He has reportedly led numerous campaigns for the party across Uganda, particularly in the eastern region, utilizing his own resources to mobilize support. His dedication to the NRM extends beyond electoral campaigns, as he has also been instrumental in persuading opposition party leaders to cross over to the ruling party from across the region and the country. He has also mobilized support in the region for several Members of Parliament, Chairmen and other important leaders in the country.
While details of the specific strategies employed during these political campaigns and defections remain undisclosed, sources familiar with his work highlight his strong communication skills, deep understanding of local dynamics, and ability to build consensus across diverse groups. His ability to galvanize support and influence political alignments underscores his significant influence within the Ugandan political landscape.
Mukula’s actions demonstrate a multifaceted approach to fostering peace and security, encompassing disarmament initiatives, militia formation, peace negotiations, humanitarian work, and political mobilization. His contributions have had a tangible impact on the lives of countless Ugandans, making him a figure of considerable importance in the country’s recent history. He is being highly commended for his effort towards uplifting and uniting Uganda as a whole.