Colonel David Byaruhanga, who received the firearms, confirmed that the suspects were set free in line with the government's Amnesty Window. Under this arrangement, those who voluntarily surrender weapons are documented, issued disarmament cards, and integrated into peaceful communities.
Joint security forces in Kotido district successfully recovered three firearms from three warriors on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. The firearms were voluntarily handed over by the warriors after persuasive negotiations, marking a key development in the ongoing disarmament efforts in the region.
The first weapon, an SMG serial number 79551 with five live rounds of ammunition, was surrendered by Lokomol Daudi, a resident of Naryamatolim Cell, Lokitaleabu Town Council. The second weapon, an SMG (serial number 10427) with two live rounds, was handed over by Lokutu Lochubae from Kadokin Cell, South Division.
The third firearm, an SMG serial number 1977244449 with one live round, was surrendered by Peter Lochu Loose from Napong Cell, Lokitaleabu Central Ward. Colonel David Byaruhanga, who received the firearms, confirmed that the suspects were set free in line with the government's Amnesty Window.
Under this arrangement, those who voluntarily surrender weapons are documented, issued disarmament cards, and integrated into peaceful communities. They also become eligible for government incentives aimed at improving their livelihoods.
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Ambrose Toolit, the Chief Executive Officer of the Grassroot Alliance for Rural Development (GARD), emphasized the need for security officials to treat the Karacunas those handing over weapons fairly. Toolit expressed concerns that many Karacunas fear mistreatment and are uncertain about their future after surrendering their arms.
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Charles Ichogor, the Kotido District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), praised the Karacunas for their voluntary disarmament and commended GARD for their efforts in facilitating the process. Ichogor also pledged to expedite the inclusion of these individuals in the Parish Development Model (PDM) program this financial year to support their livelihoods.
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The positive outcome coincides with the visit of President Yoweri Museveni to the Karamoja sub-region to assess the impact of the PDM program, which is aimed at boosting household incomes and promoting socio-economic transformation.
Major Isaac Oware, spokesperson for the UPDF's 3rd Division, reiterated the call for armed warriors in the region to take advantage of the Amnesty Window and voluntarily surrender their weapons. He also thanked local governments and stakeholders for their cooperation in fostering peaceful disarmament efforts.
Kilenga Bondry
Freelancer