Senior leaders and security commanders have called for unity and peaceful co-existence as essential pillars for lasting peace in Karamoja.

During a meeting at Pian Upe Game Reserve headquarters in Nakapiripirit District, stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commanders, and District Security Committees (DSC) representatives, discussed strategies to strengthen regional stability.

Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, highlighted the region’s relative calm as a foundation for lasting peace. “I urge all stakeholders not to engage reverse gear in peace-building efforts,” he stated, urging leaders to avoid defending criminals and to resolve disputes through established structures.

Members of Parliament, Hon Lolem Micah Akasile and Hon Betty Louke Chelain, emphasised timely resolution of conflicts and communal grazing to foster trust among the Pian, Pokot, and Sabiny communities. Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jimmy Tabanyang stressed improving coordination and addressing issues like stolen livestock swiftly.

Deputy Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Commander SSP Latifu Zaake called for collaboration, reminding stakeholders of the joint forces’ impartial professionalism. Local government leaders from Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Nabilatuk, and Chepskunya echoed the need for teamwork to disarm illegal gun holders and isolate criminals.

The leaders urged communities to use the Amnesty window to surrender illegal firearms, while security and local authorities committed to upgrading critical roads, such as Pian Upe-Angisa and Lokoma-Karita-Lemusu, to boost mobility and service delivery.

Community members proposed designated communal grazing zones and reserved farming areas, ensuring equitable resource use during the dry season.

The meeting, attended by local leaders, security officials, and hundreds of community members, reaffirmed the collective commitment to peace and development in the region.