Moroto, (UG): A team of joint security forces in Moroto District have recovered three guns from unidentified warriors in a concerted effort by the forces to maintain law and order in the South Karamoja region.
IP Longole Mike, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson says despite the ongoing sensitization about the presidential initiative on voluntary firearm surrender without prosecution, the success has been uneven across various districts.
Mr Longole adds that “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.”
According to Longole, the districts of 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).
He categorically isolated one incident which involved the theft of 94 goats and sheep from Namoni Aloris village in Kosike Subcounty, Nabilatuk District, on the night of August 29, 2023, although the joint security forces in the area managed to recover all the stolen livestock.
In response to such incidents, Longole says 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 two firearms; 1. Gun number 50292 with 5 rounds. and 2. Gun number 38110 with 0 rounds.
“These firearms were forcefully retrieved from unidentified warriors following a cordon and search operation in Nakabat village, Rupa Subcounty, Moroto District,” said Mr Longole.
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, Longole appealed to Karacunas in the southern region to embrace the presidential amnesty fully.
“By voluntarily surrendering firearms to the government without fear of prosecution. A safe and more stable community can be achieved,” he said.
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