By Joshua Imalingat
Leaders from Karamoja and Acholi Sub-regions have reaffirmed their commitment to ending criminality and promoting peace in the two regions.
The leaders made the commitment in a joint security meeting convened Wednesday in Kotido municipality under the stewardship of the Karamoja affairs minister Hon. Minister Lokeris, UPDF 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Don William Nabasa and 5th Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Keith Katungi.
The meeting aimed at addressing issues between Kotido, and the neighboring districts of Agago, Kitgum, and Abim and accelerate development in the two regions.
Peter Lokeris the Karamoja affairs minister in his address urged senior leaders to engage pastoral communities, foster unity, and develop a roadmap for reconciliation and harmonious coexistence. He also acknowledged the need for follow-up funding to renovate dams for livestock watering and commercial agriculture.
Kotido district political leadership, led by the district woman MP Magret Aleper and the district chairperson Paul Komol Lotee, tendered apologies to the Acholi people for criminal acts committed by some individuals from Kotido district.
Kitgum district chairperson Christopher Obol and the Agago North Mp Amos Okot welcomed the apologies and called for tangible solutions to the persistent criminal acts meted against the neighboring communities. They emphasised the historical peaceful coexistence of the Karamojong and Acholi communities, arguing that peace should not be compromised by criminal raids.
David Lagen the Agago County MP stressed that security measures and resolutions should prioritise peacebuilding, not political motives. He advocated for compulsory education for the younger generation.
The joint security meeting also acknowledged the commendable work of the 3rd and 5th Infantry Divisions of the UPDF in maintaining peace, despite operational challenges.
