Joint security forces have recovered three firearms from the South Karamoja region in concerted efforts to keep law and order.
Despite the ongoing sensitization about the presidential initiative on voluntary firearm surrender without prosecution, the success has been uneven across various districts, according to IP Longole Mike, Public Relations Officer of MT Moroto/Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).
While North Karamoja, including Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, and Abim, has witnessed positive outcomes with Karamojong youth (Karacunas) voluntarily surrendering arms, the same cannot be said for the southern districts.
Moroto, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit continue to face challenges in embracing the presidential amnesty, leading to isolated incidents such as cattle thefts, notably between Pokot (Amudat) and Pian (Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit).
One incident involved the theft of 94 goats and sheep from Namoni Aloris village in Kosike Sub-county, Nabilatuk District, on the night of August 29, 2023.
Joint security forces, however, managed to recover all the stolen livestock.
In response to such incidents, security forces conducted an organized operation to retrieve arms from armed criminals in Alakas (Amudat) and Nakabaat (Moroto) areas.
The operation proved successful, resulting in the recovery of three firearms: Gun number 50292 with 5 rounds and Gun number 38110 with 0 rounds.
These firearms were forcefully retrieved from unidentified warriors following a cordon and search operation in Nakabat village, Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District.
Additionally, an SMG rifle with registration number 11253 and 5 rounds was forcefully recovered from Tingaz village in Alakas, Amudat District.
“While security forces remain committed to ensuring peace throughout Karamoja, we appeal to Karacunas in the southern region to embrace the presidential amnesty fully. By voluntarily surrendering firearms to the government without fear of prosecution,” said Longole.
He added: “A safe and more stable community can be achieved.”
