The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division has successfully concluded a series of civil-military cooperation activities across Moroto Municipality, Karamoja, ahead of the annual Tarehe Sita celebrations on 6th February.
The initiative culminated in the official handover of two newly constructed boda-boda shelters by the Karamoja Cluster, aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and public service delivery.
Launched in December 2025, the activities spanned multiple districts in Karamoja and included medical outreach camps, the cleaning of public spaces in Moroto town, the repair of 100 boreholes region-wide, and the construction of motorcycle taxi shelters in urban centres.
These efforts reflect the UPDF’s sustained commitment to partnering with local communities to promote development, security, and wellbeing.
Presiding over the handover ceremony, Major General Wilberforce Serumkuma, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, underscored the enduring relationship between the UPDF and the civilian population.
“The NRA, which later became the UPDF, achieved the liberation struggle and the gains we see today because of its strong association with the local citizens,” he said.
Serumukuma expressed gratitude to local authorities for providing essential logistical support—including manpower, graders, and dump trucks—which greatly facilitated the cleanup exercises across the municipality.
Moroto Municipality Member of Parliament, Adome Francis, commended the army’s community-focused approach.
“This partnership has been instrumental in securing peace and attracting industrial investments to the region,” he said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Moroto, Tuko Justin, described the collaboration between the army and civil authorities as a “conduit for development,” emphasising the tangible benefits of coordinated civil-military initiatives.
The event was attended by prominent regional leaders and UPDF officers, including Moroto RDC Benon Kwikiriza, Mayor Muhammad Ismail, Col. Santurino Tumuranzye (Division Operations and Training Officer), and other Division staff officers.
Through such community engagement activities, the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division continues to demonstrate its commitment to peace, development, and the well-being of the people of Karamoja, strengthening the bond between the military and the communities it serves.