UPDF pledges protection to informers as forceful disarmament begins

Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The UPDF 3rd Infantry Division has pledged protection to it’s informers as they start forceful disarmament of warriors in Karamoja.

The Division Commander Brig. Joseph Balikudembe said the army will protect community members who give intelligence information about the presence of illegal weapons to security organs.

He was responding to questions about the fate of whistleblowers who have often been targeted by armed warriors. For instance in Kotido, Kaabong and Nabilatuk districts, a number of Peace Committee members have been shot and killed by suspected warriors in revenge attacks on suspicion that they disclose those with illegal guns to the army.

Local leaders were also targeted by warriors opposed to disarmament. Now, the army says the informers have been given necessary knowledge on how to work for security and guard their safety to ensure that their lives are not endangered.

Between August and September 2021, several Local Council I chairpersons expressed fear for their lives after getting death threats. Some chairpersons who worked closely with the Peace Committee Members had become soft targets for warriors.

During the same time, scores of the peace committee members fled their villages in Kotido and Kaabong districts in fear for their lives.

A peace activist whose name has been concealed for security reasons told URN that he has moved to Kotido town after receiving death threats from warriors.

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URN