The Ministers for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Lokeris Peter and Hon. Wamala Nambozo Florence (State Minister) have vowed to fast-track programs aimed at transforming the Karamoja Sub-region.
The Ministers were yesterday (21 May 2024) in Kotido district on their maiden visit to the region, where they met with stakeholders following their appointments.
“We came to introduce ourselves to you, the stakeholders, interact and discuss issues with a view of tackling them head-on to improve and transform Karamoja Sub-region,” said Hon Lokeris.
Hon. Lokeris discouraged acts of revenge amongst criminal elements who want to cause a vicious cycle of criminality.
He appealed to security commanders and local leaders to continue working together to maintain security and weed out criminality to pave the way for further investment opportunities to accelerate development.
Hon. Wamala Nambozo Florence, the Minister of State for Karamoja affairs and Woman Member of Parliament, Sironko district, pledged to work together with local leaders, especially in efforts focusing on the fight against food insecurity, water for production and compulsory education for all children.
The meeting noted that the Karamoja Development Agency (KDA) requires fast-tracking into reality as it remains one of the relevant tools to realising transformation.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the Deputy Commander 3 Division, observed that the sub-region enjoys relative peace, attributed to adherence to the existing Presidential Amnesty window, community mobilisation and cross-border engagements.
The Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Senior Commissioner of Police Elias Kasirabo, assured the leaders of continued support to close gaps by ensuring access to police services, including canine services, enhancement of road checks points, and regulating livestock markets to curb thefts.
As a gesture of continued voluntary approach to the ongoing disarmament operation, one Karacuna surrendered a Sub Machine Gun, Number 06779, to the UPDF Division leadership. The Karacuna, Pusia Lodomosia, hails from Jimos village, Itakwara parish, Napumpum Sub-county in Kotido district.
Present at the meeting were: Members of Parliament from North Karamoja, Resident District Commissioners, Chairpersons of District Local Governments, heads of security agencies, and opinion leaders, among others.
Major Isaac Oware
Public Information Officer
3 Division