By Moses Lokeris
As Karamoja Sub-region is on recovery path after the insecurity that had plagued the region, and stalled development for decades, intelligence reports from security agencies indicate that remnant illegal guns are threatening the peace gains in North Karamoja.
This was revealed during the 3rd Memorial Peace Prayer held at Kongesia village in Napumpum Sub-county, Kotido district on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, organised by Justice and Peace Department of Kotido Catholic Diocese.
The event held under the theme “Peace and Reconciliation” focused on three key issued cherishing the current relative peace, renewing our commitment to strengthen it, and preaching forgiveness and reconciliation among our communities of North Karamoja.
Notable among high ranking participants are, the LCV Chaipersons Kotido, Paul Komol Lotee, Charles Ichogor, Kotido RDC, Kipedo Regional Police Commander SSP Denis Ocama, 405 Brigade Commander, Col Ruziro Nuwagaba, Godfrey Ayori Zonal Commander ASTU and Maj. Isaac Max Muguni, Commander 43 infantry battalion headquartered in Rengen Sub-county.
Giving his homely during the Eucharistic celebration to open the Prayer, Bishop Eibu acknowledged the role of the kraal leaders, cultural leaders, political leaders and Justice and Peace Department the principle organisers for their efforts in peace building in North Karamoja.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s message of arming and disarming peace, Bishop Eibu challenged families to make their homes a foundation of peace, noting that if homes are peaceful, the whole community will find peace.
Charles Ichogor revealed that since the start of this year Kotido district particularly, the Sub-counties of Longaroe, Kacheri, Rengen, Lokitelaebu Maaru among others have been experiencing cases of insecurity.
He observed that that a number of illegal guns still exist in the hands of the wrong elements among the Karamojong.
Ichogor said although some youth have voluntarily surrendered guns to government, others have decided to remain with their guns underground and it is these guns that they have started using.
Col Ruziro Nuwagaba, the 405 brigade commander, reminder the cattle raiders to embrace the existing amnesty granted by President Museveni to surrender illegal guns in their possession, or else face full force of the law.
James Lero, the Kipedo Regional Crime Intelligence Officer appealed to the Karamojong to stop fragmentation on basis of clans, Matheniko fighting Bokora, Dodoth fighting Jie and embrace peace, warning these clan clashes have contributed greatly to the insecurities hence hindering development.
Justice and Peace Department’s journey in peace building started in 2023, when a group of Karachunas approached department seeking support to perused fellow armed youth to cease raiding and return home.
Since the first edition of Annual Memorial Peace Prayer, held at Kanair Sub-county on June 16, 2023, the Justice and Peace Development has facilitated over 300 dialogues, and supported the reintegration of hundreds of disarmed youths across North Karamoja, fostering crucial conversations and building trust within communities.
Nicola Carradori, Coordinator of Justice and Peace Department said that the Memorial Peace Prayer serves as an annual attribute to these efforts and the significant progress achieved in partnership with the Karachuna, government, and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
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