Security agencies, local leaders and community representatives from Kotido and Kabong districts have agreed to strengthen joint efforts to combat cross-border cattle theft, communal violence and highway insecurity, amid renewed calls for coordinated action to sustain peace in the Karamoja sub-region.
The resolution was reached during a joint security meeting at Lokomebu Sub-county headquarters, where the Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said insecurity affecting the neighbouring districts cannot be addressed through isolated interventions.
He said cattle theft, the movement of armed groups and communal conflicts transcend administrative boundaries and require close cooperation between security forces, district leaders and local communities.
“These efforts must not stop at the district level. We must take peace deep into the communities and villages,” Sserunkuma said.
He reaffirmed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and property across Karamoja and directed local leaders and security agencies to continue implementing the Presidential directives on restoring peace and security.
“Cattle, illegal firearms, people and conflicts move across boundaries. Security must therefore be managed jointly with the active involvement of communities and local leaders,” he added.
The meeting brought together Resident District Commissioners, district and sub-county security committees, local government officials, kraal leaders, peace committees, religious leaders and Local Council I chairpersons from both districts.
Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen peaceful coexistence between neighbouring communities. He urged residents to embrace dialogue and reconciliation and encouraged those still possessing illegal firearms to surrender them under the Presidential amnesty.
Kabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek called on communities to promptly report security threats and avoid criminal activities that could reverse the security gains achieved in the region.
The Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, ACP Francis Chemusto, appealed to residents to reject mob justice, discourage cattle raiding, prioritise children’s education and reduce alcohol abuse as measures to prevent violence.
Kotido District LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lotee urged communities to maintain unity despite clan differences, saying cooperation remains essential for lasting peace.
Community leaders welcomed the dialogue and appealed for continued government support, including the reopening of the Moroto–Abim road, measures to address crop destruction by elephants and sustained livestock recovery operations.
The meeting forms part of the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division’s ongoing campaign to consolidate peace and stability across the Karamoja sub-region.
