Security Forces in Karamoja Seek Partnership with Civilians to Curb Crime During Festive Season

Karamoja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The joint security forces in the Karamoja sub-region have called for community cooperation to curb criminality ahead of the festive season.

According to security, they are anticipating an increase in cattle theft and burglary during the festive season as warriors ignore calls to surrender the illegal firearms in their possession.

Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto regional Police Spokesperson said that the hardcore criminals have failed to surrender illegal firearms causing isolated raids across the region.

Longole appealed to the community to provide maximum cooperation with security agencies by sharing information that may lead to the arrest of hardcore criminals who have failed to come out of their hideouts despite the ongoing presidential amnesty on the voluntary handover of illegal guns.

Longole said they have established that the criminals are planning to launch the attacks during the festive holiday when people are relaxed.

“We are also aware from our previous experience that there is always increased criminality during the festive seasons, we assure the public that we are more set and our security teams are working hard on the modalities to overcome this challenge and ensure there are minimal incidents registered during the forthcoming festive season, ” Longole said.

Longole further observed that the forces and the stakeholders have been running Amnesty campaigns for the warriors to return guns but the hardcore criminals have ignored the calls.

He said that disarmament operations and recovery of livestock will continue until the region realizes total peace.

Ceasar Akol, the Moroto District Speaker said that they have been experiencing a series of attacks by suspected cattle rustlers around Kobebe grazing area in Lotisan Sub County.

Akol noted that the battle between the Jie and Turkana Pastoralists has continued, which is breeding insecurity.

Akol also noted that there are renewed attacks among the Matheniko, Pian, Turkana, and the Jie pastoralists. He added that the battle between Jie and Turkana Pastoralists is worsening and this may worsen the security situation.

Akol urged the peace actors to step up the efforts to sensitize communities to be vigilant and embrace peace in the festivities.

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