The joint security forces in Karamoja Sub-region have assured the people of Abim district and neighbouring areas of their security despite the isolated incidences of livestock theft, arson, and warriors using arrows and spears to perpetrate attacks on innocent civilians.
Predominantly, Abim is a mountainous district located in North Eastern Uganda with six town councils and ten Sub-counties and is a non-raiding community.
The security situation remains relatively calm although some armed criminal elements from Kotido, Napak and Kaabong Districts sneak in due to internal pressure and cross with their criminal interests to disturb the peace of others.
The joint security who have since pitch camped in the district to assess the situation and oversee adjustments in deployments are led by Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy commander 3 Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“We have conducted security assessments and identified gaps that require bridging. We expect total calmness to return to the district soonest,” Brig Gen Felix Busizoori assured the residents in different locations of the district.
The Deputy Division Commander explained that the prevailing situation in Abim is not to be taken lightly and for granted as joint security keenly takes note and consideration possible actions.
“Among the tactical interventions being undertaken is the deployment of an additional UPDF Battalion soonest to curb the manpower gap in Abim district,” said Brig Gen Busizoori.
Mr Banuli Magala, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) of Abim, lauded the people of Abim for their continued cooperation with security forces and appealed to the peace-loving people of Abim to remain calm, provide purposeful and timely information whenever the need arises.
These security measures are not limited to securing cattle grazing areas, dominating warriors’ crossing points and maintaining close coordination with security forces in Lango and Acholi sub-regions to fight cattle rustling.
Top commanders took stock of the situation and visited the most troublesome sub-counties as a number of tactical security interventions and strategies are being employed to avert the worrying situation.
As a result of the ongoing simultaneous operations, joint security forces (UPDF, Police, ASTU and intelligence) have made significant achievements in the Abim district alone since January 2023.
These include; Guns recovered from warriors – 7, Ammunition recovered from warriors – 30, Recovered 87 pieces of arrows and spears, Recovered 686 livestock and handed them over to rightful owners and made arrests of over 100 suspects who were subjected to further investigations, out of whom at least 62 originating from different districts have been prosecuted by Division Court Martial based at Moroto army barracks.
Col Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the 405 Brigade Commander, noted that the ongoing operations and adjustments are directed towards leaving no freedom of action for armed criminal elements North of Karamoja.
Security commanders’ resolve is to maintain the aim, join synergies and achieve the desired end state for the Karamoja Sub-region.
Present at the joint security assessment and pitch camp were: SP Musa Kayongo, Operations Officer, ASTU, SP Akampulira Peter, DPC, Maj Micheal Obella, Division Counter Intelligence Officer, Maj Esau Katuune, Intelligence Officer 405, Maj Stephen Omonyi, CO Victor Battalion, Maj Isaac Oware, Public Information Officer and Mr Sagal Henry, DISO Abim among other commanders.
