The Joint Security Forces in Karamoja sub-region have assured residents in Karenga District that they will deal with the recent rise in crime in the District. This follows recent killings and abductions of civilians by criminal elements in the district causing fear and panic amongst the residents.
In a meeting that was chaired by Resident District Commissioner Karenga, Mr Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap it was observed that until recently, Karenga District had been the most peaceful in Karamoja sub-region.
It was noted that those targeted by criminal elements include informers, local leaders and technical staff.
The 3 Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Don Nabasa assured the residents and leaders of security’s unwavering commitment to deal with the criminal elements causing loss of lives and panic among the community in Karenga.
Maj Gen Nabasa echoed that since the warriors have refused to comply with the Presidential amnesty window, Joint Security will now take all necessary measures to restore peace in the district.
The RDC called upon the security to step up measures towards restoring peace in Karenga and said that due to pressure from Kotido and Kaabong, most criminals have run to Kidepo National Park, which they consider safe heaven as they feed on wild game.
He observed that since the amnesty was granted by the President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, no single gun has been voluntarily surrendered in Karenga District.
The District has seen an upsurge in insecurity especially violent and armed attacks on both civilians and security personnel by warriors since early October, the most recent being the 29th October 2023 when they ambushed security personnel killing one UPDF soldier and one police staff.
While another informer was also attacked leaving a six (6) month child dead and the father injured.
Maj Gen Nabasa directed the 405 Brigade Commander to organise a joint operation comprising ASTU, Police and Uganda Wildlife Authority to draw an operation plan to flash out warriors.
Meanwhile, the Commandant Anti-Stock Theft Unit SCP Elias Kasirabo assured the district leadership that a review shall be conducted within the force to restore confidence and information sharing with the public.
Both Gen Don Nabasa and SCP Elias reiterated that security has the capacity and assets to calm down the situation, as they called on the local leaders and the population to cooperate with the security and provide relevant information to apprehend the criminals.
Meanwhile, Felix Mark Lochaale the Karenga district LCV Chairperson noted that there have been threats on the lives of several informers, leaders and district technical support staff by the warriors who stay in the park.
Me. Lochaale said that in 2021, the Principal Assistant Secretary Karenga Mr. Omony was murdered in cold blood, where suspects were arrested but released under unclear circumstances.
Present were; Col David Byaruhanga Brigade Commander 405 Bde, ASTU Sector Commanders, ISO Officers Territorial Police officers and UWA Officers and some technical staff of Karenga District.
