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Lometo says Karamoja is now 99 percent peaceful thanks to the disarmament programme. The region used to be infested with small arms which aided intra-communal, inter-communal and cross-border cattle raids and killings, making the place insecure and lag in development.
Kotido Resident District Commissioner Modo David Lometo has appealed to Ugandans to consider spreading investments to Karamoja sub-region, saying the area is now conducive for business.
Lometo says Karamoja is now 99 percent peaceful thanks to the disarmament programme. The region used to be infested with small arms which aided intra-communal, inter-communal and cross-border cattle raids and killings, making the place insecure and lag in development.
The cross-border and counter cross-border attacks involve mainly the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa and Didinga of South Sudan.
The pronounced area communities are the Jie in Kotido, the Dodoth in Kaabong, the Matheniko in Moroto, the Bokora in Napak, the Thur or Acholi Labwor in Abim, and the Pian in Amudat and Nakapiripirit. Other neighbouring communities affected are the Acholi, Lango, Kumam, Teso and Sabiny.
About 15 years ago, the Ugandan government launched the disarmament programme which saw massive retrieval of guns from the locals, deployment of soldiers, recruitment and use of local defence forces and communal peace committees.
The government has also intervened by creating smaller administrative units based on the communities, as well as injecting lots of projects and funding. According to Lometo, these interventions are bearing fruits, transforming Karamoja into a must-go-to place for investments and trade.
Lometo says a few cases of cattle thefts aside, Karamoja is now ready for development, adding that the rest of Ugandans should no longer be scared of investing in or going to the northeastern region.
The RDC says infrastructure like roads and water supply are improving, and that electricity is being extended to all parts of the region.
Romano Longole, the Coordinator of Kotido Peace Initiative says the disarmament programme and development interventions have improved life in Karamoja.
