President Museveni has vowed to continue the disarmament exercise in the Karamoja sub-region, saying the program has already yielded results in restoring peace and stability.
Speaking during a press briefing at Morulinga State Lodge, the President said the government will not halt the exercise despite criticism from some leaders who previously opposed the approach.
Museveni accused certain leaders of having supported cattle raiders for too long, frustrating efforts to end armed violence in the region.
He specifically cited David Pulkol, who had argued that for disarmament to succeed, it should be carried out simultaneously across borders — targeting not only the Karamojong but also neighboring communities such as the Turkana, Pokot, Ethiopians, and South Sudanese.
However, the President dismissed that position, saying Uganda’s disarmament program is already proving effective even without coordinated action from other countries.
“It is working very well, and I will continue with disarmament without having to count on other people,” Museveni said.
The President noted that the initiative has already delivered tangible benefits, including a reduction in armed raids and improved security across the region.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to maintaining peace and consolidating the gains achieved so far.
The ongoing disarmament exercise, first launched in the early 2000s, aims to recover illegal firearms and promote stability in a region that has long struggled with cattle rustling and cross-border conflicts.
