Gen Elwelu touches ground to pacify Karamoja

Lieutenant-General Peter Elwelu arrived in Karamoja Wednesday afternoon to start his new duty of monitoring government programmes in the restive sub-region.

Gen Elwelu, who is also a special presidential advisor, was last month appointed by President Museveni to oversee operations in Teso and Karamoja sub-regions.

The visit is part of an effort to pacify Karamoja, which has been plagued by security challenges.

Shortly after his arrival, Elwelu held a regional security meeting with security chiefs and representatives from the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), regional army Chiefs, Intelligence Officers and the local government.

"We are going to focus on strategies for achieving sustainable peace in Karamoja and its neighboring regions, as well as ensuring development in the region," he said.

"I thank the President for this appointment."

He also shared a personal connection to the region, revealing that his first deployment as an army officer was in Karamoja.

"I am the one who welcomed my colleague Elwelu when he was first deployed in Karamoja. He worked well with our people," said Karamoja Affairs minister Peter Lokeris.

Gen Elwelu said his primary role in the two sub-regions will be monitoring government programmes to ensure their effective implementation.

Major Martha Asiimwe, head of the RDC Secretariat, expressed gratitude to the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) for their efforts in restoring calm in Karamoja.

She highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation among security agencies to maintain peace.

The UPDF also pledged its support for General Elwelu's efforts in the region.

"We are committed to working closely with Gen Elwelu to ensure the safety and security of the people of Karamoja," Simon Okoshi, UPDF director operations, said

Major General Don Nabasa that although Karamoja is experiencing relative calm, the region still faces isolated incidents of cattle theft and gun violence.

"We recently experienced armed attacks in the areas of Rupa and Katikekile Subcounty but we restored calm swiftly," Nabasa said.

Cattle raids and gun violence in Karamoja is fueled by ethnic divide and fire arms proliferation through porous borders of neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Gen Elwelu's appointment and visit are seen as crucial steps in addressing these security concerns and fostering development in Karamoja.