By Prossy Namiiro
President Museveni has plans underway to roll out electronic vehicle and motor cycle monitoring systems in Karamoja Sub-region to monitor movements and locations by the central command.
Museveni made these remarks at Morulinga State Lodge, Napak district while meeting regional leaders and security heads of Karamoja sub-region.
He vowed to end gun violence in the Karamoja Sub-region, noting that there are two mistakes made by the Karamojong people; one is that they think that prosperity can be achieved through lawlessness and through insecurity.
“Then next is failure by government officials to listen to aggrieved parties. “Anybody who raids must be apprehended. My aim is to have no raid at all, “said Museveni.
He directed all the government officials to stop the habit of failing to listen to people’s grievances but always explain the delays, if any.
“Tell Karimojong that these two mistakes will not help us,” he advised
He noted that the Joint Security Forces should continuously deal with armed warriors, those using bows and arrows and the ones who drive animals with sticks. Other identified suspects are the informers to warriors and suspected warriors.
. ” We are ready to roll out a robust response to eradicate criminality,” he emphasized
He reaffirmed that the Joint Security Forces will be supported with more additional troop carriers to enhance mobility and funding so as to strengthen intelligence networks, among others.
Museveni noted that good bilateral relations and cross border security mechanisms with the regional leaders of the East African Community, particularly the Republics of Kenya and South Sudan can help to follow the criminals and hold them accountable.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of UPDF, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu gave assurance that the disarmament operation is critical and will be successful as planned.
He said all Deputies or Second in Command of all formations or units will improve their inspections of armed forces and equipment, among other roles.
The Chairperson of Karamoja Parliamentary Group (KPG) and Member of Parliament for Pain County, Remigio Achia said that one of the things worthy of celebrating are the NRM achievements, in terms of education, peace and security, among others.
The leaders pledged to continue cooperating and coordinating with the joint security forces to avoid any other resurgences of criminality in the region.
The 3 Infantry Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe promised that operations will remain on course
“The ongoing cordon and search operations are aimed at recovering guns, ammunition, livestock and apprehending suspects to break the alliances of criminal elements,” he stressed.
He alluded that the division is in continuous coordination to deter cattle raids in Otuke, Alebtongo and Agago under 5 Infantry Division.
The disarmament Operation code named “Usalama Kwa Wote” translated as “Peace for All”, recently heightened, intensified simultaneous cordon and search operations in a bid to curb criminality.
