The Police in Karamoja have held a grand end-of-year celebration at Moroto Resort Hotel to mark achievements in combating cattle rustling in the region.
The event, attended by top security officials and stakeholders, highlighted progress made in the disarmament exercise and efforts to restore peace in Karamoja.
According to Police reports, the year 2024 recorded the most notable strides in the disarmament campaign since the resurgence of cattle raids in 2019.
ACP Francis Chemusto, the Commandant of the Police Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), described the year as a turning point for security forces in their battle against rustlers.
“Since 2019, the Joint Security Forces have engaged in continuous battles with cattle rustlers. In 2024, we began to reap the fruits of peace that this region has longed for,” Chemusto said.
However, he emphasized that the journey is far from over, urging officers to work harder in 2025 to achieve lasting peace. Chemusto also pledged to strengthen collaboration with other stakeholders to consolidate these gains.
SSP Ahmed Madiri, the Regional Police Commander for Mt. Moroto, called on officers to remain vigilant and exceed the performance of 2024.
“It would be a shame to gather at the end of 2025 to recount negative impacts,” he warned.
Madiri urged every District Police Commander to lead their units toward registering positive impacts in the coming year.
The Chief Guest, Colonel Allan Kyangungu, Deputy Commander of the UPDF’s 3rd Division, lauded the dedication of lower-ranking officers in the Police and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), whose sacrifices have been instrumental in achieving the current peace.
“Constables and privates have given their all, with many losing their lives and leaving their families behind to achieve what we are celebrating today,” said Kyangungu.
“Enjoy this moment, but remember the community still expects a lot from us. Let’s deliver.”
The event was graced by representatives from Post Bank, Centenary Bank, and Stanbic Bank, who hailed the security forces as key contributors to their customer base, accounting for 90% of their daily transactions.
Other security agencies, including Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs) from North and South Karamoja and Prison officers, were also in attendance, demonstrating solidarity in the fight against cattle rustling and insecurity.
As the night concluded with celebrations and toasts, the event symbolized a moment of reflection and resolve for the security forces, setting their sights on achieving even greater milestones in 2025.