Maj. Gen. Don William Nabassa, the Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division in the Karamoja subregion, has revealed how security has in the recent past become sophisticated for the criminals in the area.
He said they now use a combined technology for tracking cattle rustlers and other criminals in the region.
Gen. Nabassa made the call on Sunday, 6th October 2024, during a security-community mobilisation meeting (baraza) at Kawalakol Sub County in Karenga district aimed at fostering stability in North Karamoja.
He urged the area local leaders to prioritise peace and stability as the only pillars to achieve significant socioeconomic growth.
“We use technology to track criminals, so those interested in revenge should take it out on us, the security forces, not innocent civilians,” Nabassa said.
UPDF has now introduced the use of sophisticated drones to effectively track and guide operations against the criminal.
Gen. Nabassa also encouraged the community to use the current amnesty window to give up their firearms peacefully, noting that those who do not comply will face forceful measures from security forces.
The meeting followed recent threats to locals after the neutralisation of a notorious warrior, Issa Lokuria, by joint security forces last month.
The State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, who is also the Karenga District Woman MP, Rose Lilly Akello, encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promote peaceful coexistence as the government rolls out transformative programs in the Karamoja Sub-region, stressing the importance of community engagement.
“I urge you, the community, to be vigilant and watchful of any criminal acts as the government works towards improving livelihoods through programs like PDM and Emyooga,” Akello said.
Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner, Filbert Ocailap, urged host communities to take preventative actions like setting up neighbourhood watch programs and alerting the authorities to any suspicious activity.
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