ARMED AGAIN: Army, police chiefs pitch camp in Karamoja region as K’jongs acquire fresh guns

By Francis Otucu  

Sister security agencies, the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) officers and the police have camped in Karamoja region to consult and police on how to go about increasing acts of insecurity and cattle raids coupled with gun robberies.

Well-placed sources say the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Major General Sabiiti Muzeeyi have pitch-camped in the Karamoja policing region since last week.

This, The Second Opinion understands, followed intelligence that Karimjongs have re-armed themselves, something that has increased insecurity in the area.

Sources say cattle rustling has also increased.

At the weekend, Maj. Gen. Sabiiti and Gen. Muhoozi had a stateholders meeting in the region.

This meeting was attended by among others, political leaders.

In early 2000, the UPDF started a disarmament process in Karamoja after accusations against the traditionally pastoralist group living in Kotido and Moroto as well as other neighboring districts of causing displacement and untold human suffering.  

Over 25, 000 guns were recovered in the process.

However, intelligence report shows the Karimojong have re-armed themselves.

Insiders say it costs between Shs300, 000 and Shs500, 000 for one to acquire an AK47 rifle.

During the meeting held at Moroto Barracks, he said security agencies will make plans forceful disarmament process.

“We can’t let the sub-region slip into chaos. This is a lot of investment potential,” Gen. Muhoozi is quoted by the New Vision to have said.