By Moses Lokeris
Security operatives in Karamoja Sub-region have condemned the mob justice targeted on individuals suspected to be engaged in criminality, warning that this would threaten the peace gains achieved over the past years.
This was raised during a joint security meeting held on Friday at Lokitelaebu Town council in Kotido following rising cases of mob action in the areas of Kacheri, Lokitelaebu and Maaru in the recent months.
Among the attendees were the Resident District Commissioners of Kotido and Kabong, district and sub-county security committees, local government leaders, kraal leaders, peace committee members, religious leaders, Local Council I chairpersons and reformed cattle raiders popularly known as “Karachuna”.
The participants were drawn from the Sub-counties Lolelia, South, Sidok and Lanyoro sub-counties in Kaabong District, and Rengen, Longoromit, Kacheri, Nakapelimoru and Kotido North Division in Kotido District.
In his remarks, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma Karate, the 3rd Infantry Division Commander, strongly condemned increasing acts of mob justice.
He urged members of the community to use the established legal frameworks to handle suspects rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Maj. Gen. underscored the need for closer collaboration among security agencies, local leaders, and communities in the districts of Kotido and Kabong as a mechanism in addressing cross-border cattle theft, communal conflict, and highway robberies being masterminded by the armed individuals who have failed to take the advantage of the existing amnesty period granted by President Museveni.
“Security challenges affecting the two neighbouring districts require a coordinated response that extends beyond administrative boundaries. Issues such as cattle theft, the movement of armed groups and communal conflicts should be addressed collectively to create a stable environment for socio-economic development”, Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma remarked.
Maj.Gen. said the ongoing joint security meeting started in central Karamoja, which covers the districts of Amudat, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit and will spread to other districts in an effort to consolidate the current relative peace in the Karamoja Sub-region.
“As UPDF’s we are committed to protecting lives and property across the Karamoja sub-region and directed local leaders and security agencies to continue implementing the Presidential directives on restoring peace and security”, he assured the participants.
ACP Francis Chemusto, the Commandant of ASTU in Karamoja and Teso Sub-regions also urged communities across Karamoja to denounce mob justice and cattle raids, warning that they are detrimental to the current peace and stability.
He wooed them to prioritise education for children and reduce alcohol abuse as part of efforts to prevent violence.
In the same accord, Charles Ichogor, the Kotido District Resident District Commissioner, directed communities to shun cattle raids and focus on agriculture and wealth creation through government programs tailored at alleviating people from poverty such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Ichogor emphasised the need for continued security dialogues, noting they are crucial in galvanizing peaceful coexistence between the Karamojong and neighbouring communities.
Moses Adungo, the LC 3 Chairperson of Lokitelaebu Town Council commended the security forces and other peace actors for restoring peace in Kotido district and entire Karamoja.
Rev. Fr. Raphael Loberei, Assistant parish priest of Kokoria Parish, urged communities to forgive individuals who willingly surrender illegal guns to the security forces in line with the ongoing amnesty period rather than lynching them.
“We should be compassionate. Today it is them, and tomorrow it will be you. Who do you think can pardon you?” Father Loberei questioned.
The religious cleric also reminded those still in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the Presidential pardon and surrender them.
Meanwhile, Albert Loris Lotyang, the Kaabong LC 5 Chairperson for Kaabong District, urged the 3rd Infantry Division Commander to organize peace caravans and continuous grassroots engagement with neighboring districts, including Kenya’s Turkana, to foster peaceful coexistence and address security challenges in consolidating peace.
Additional reporting by Alexander Mackey Okori
