The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Peter Lokeris, joint security commanders, and senior leaders from Karamoja and Acholi Sub-regions reaffirmed their commitment to ending criminality and promoting peace in the districts of North Karamoja and neighbouring Acholi Sub-regions, accelerating development.
The joint security meeting convened at Kotido District Headquarters under the stewardship of Hon. Minister Lokeris, Maj Gen Don William Nabasa (3rd Infantry Division Commander), and Brig Gen Keith Katungi (5th Infantry Division Commander), aimed to address issues between Kotido, Agago, Kitgum, and Abim districts.
“We must face and fight criminality squarely to maintain and sustain peace for development,” Hon. Lokeris emphasised. He urged senior leaders to engage pastoral communities, foster unity, and develop a roadmap for reconciliation and harmonious coexistence, building trust and sustaining peace. “We must live and work in brotherhood,” he stressed.
The meeting acknowledged the need for follow-up funding to renovate dams for livestock watering and commercial agriculture. Additionally, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development will be contacted to survey, demarcate, and clear contested district boundaries.
The political leadership of Kotido District, led by Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Aleper Magret and Hon. Lotee Paul Komol (LC V CP), tendered apologies to the Acholi people for criminal acts committed by some individuals from Kotido District. The leaders committed to maintaining constant communication, coordination, and community mobilisation for positive mindset change.
Hon. Christopher Obol (LC V Chairperson for Kitgum) and Hon. Okot Amos (Member of Parliament for Agago North) welcomed the apologies and called for tangible solutions. They emphasised the historical peaceful coexistence of Karamojongo and Acholi communities, urging that peace should not be compromised by criminal raids.
The Member of Parliament for Agago County, Hon. David Lagen, stressed that security measures and resolutions should prioritise peacebuilding, not political motives. He advocated for compulsory education for the younger generation.
The joint security meeting acknowledged the commendable work of the 3rd and 5th Infantry Divisions of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in maintaining peace, despite operational challenges.
The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament from Acholi Sub-region, Abim, and Kotido districts, SCP Elias Kasirabo Commandant ASTU, Resident District Commissioners, District Chairpersons, Bishop of Kotido Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, senior military and police officers, and representatives from various security agencies, among others.
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