UPDF intensifies campaign on voluntary surrender of small arms in Karamoja
The UPDF has intensified the Voluntary Surrender of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) campaign in Kotido district by meeting all stakeholders involved in the disarmament exercise.
On January, 26 2022, UPDF officers met a number of cultural, religious, political leaders including women and youth at Kotido District Hall during the community policing workshop coordinated by the National Focal Point (NFP) on small arms and light weapons.
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The community policing workshop was intended at sensitizing and mobilizing the people of Karamoja to voluntarily surrender their illegally possessed guns.
Kotido district is known for being the most notorious district in gun violence in the whole of Karamoja Sub-region.
Speaking at the workshop, the Resident District Commissioner for Kotido district Onoria Ambrose noted that everyone in Karamoja sub-region has a role to play in addressing the issue of gun violence.
“Everyone here has been a victim of gun violence. The issue of gun violence in this sub-region must be holistically handled," Onoria said.
Col Chris Bagamba, UPDF's advisor on peace support operations who also works with the National Focal Point observed that the lives of all Ugandans and foreigners who either stay or visit Karamoja must protected.
“As government, as police, as leaders, we cannot allow people to live in tyranny. That's why government and foreign supporters have come up with this voluntary surrender of illegal arms campaign,” Col Bagamba observed.
The 405 Brigade Commander Col Wilberforce Sserunkuma underscored UPDF's commitment to pacifying Karamoja.
“We are committed as UPDF and that’s why at times, we lose lives while protecting kraals and animals," he said.
The ‘voluntary surrender’ of illegal arms campaign is in line with the African Unions Amnesty month and is intended to improve public safety by reducing the number of illegal firearms in the hands of Ugandan communities.
Under the amnesty, those who surrender their illegally owned weapons/arms voluntarily, are not subjected to disclosure, humiliation, arrest or prosecution.
The workshop was also attended by the LC5 chairperson for Kotido District Lotee Paul Komol, DISO Kotido Samuel Kanyange, RPC Okullu Richard, Kotido Municipality Mayor His worship Polor Abrahams, RISO North Karamoja Wachara Godfrey, cultural, religious, women, and youth representatives.
