Karamoja Sub-County chairpersons are calling on the government to distribute personal firearms to defend themselves, following the fatal shooting of Mario Lotyang Lokaino, chairperson of Kotido Sub-County, on September 14, 2024.
The murder of Lokaino, who was shot by armed assailants at Lokitela Ebu Trading Center, has intensified concerns among local leaders, who say they are being targeted due to their roles in assisting the government’s disarmament efforts.
Joseph Otita, chairperson of Rupa Sub-County, explained that the guns would offer protection in case of attacks, as warriors often follow and attack them at home.
"We the eaders are at high risk because of our work in helping the government confiscate illegal firearms from cattle raiders." Otita urged.
John Robert Adupa, chairperson of Lotisan Sub-County, echoed these concerns, noting that their involvement in the security committee and efforts to disarm notorious youth makes them frequent targets.
"We help the government to get guns but we are not protected." Adupa roared.
In Karamoja the sub-county chairpersons also serve as heads of security committees in their areas, making them integral to the government's disarmament strategy in Karamoja.
Kotido district has seen the highest number of local leaders, security officers and government informants killed since 2021.
Some of the Victims include Paul Lowok, chairperson of Napumpum Sub-County; Moses Lomuria, chairperson of Longaroe Sub-County; Daniel Akom, speaker of Kapeta Sub-County; Abraham Lochen, speaker of Kamor Sub-County; and most recently, Mario Lotyang Lokaino, and security officers.
The demand for personal firearms reflects growing frustration and fear among leaders in Karamoja, where cattle raids and attacks by armed warriors continue to plague the region despite ongoing government efforts to restore security.