UPDF urges community to consolidate peace and security on 44 anniversary

7 February 2025, 12:35 pm

By Stanley Ebele

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has called on the armed youths in Karamoja to take advantage of the president’s amnesty and surrender all illegal firearms to security forces as they work to consolidate the existing peace. The youths have also been advised to take advantage of government programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, to transition from poverty to a money economy.

The call was made by Lt. Col. Emmy Kafureeka, commanding officer of the 43rd Battalion, who represented the 405th Brigade Commander, Lt. Col. Gaston Mugara, at the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kotido town, held at Lomukura Primary School Playground.

Kafureeka urged the youth to surrender all illegal firearms to the security forces through local structures, such as the LCs, in order to fully pacify the region.

He noted that they had received intelligence indicating that some youths in Karamoja were still in possession of firearms, a situation he described as risky, as the joint security forces could strike at any time to seize the illegal weapons.

Lt. Col. Kafureeka also praised the civil-military relationship that the UPDF enjoys. He warned UPDF officers against engaging in acts of indiscipline, stating that they would be held personally accountable for their actions. He emphasised to his officers that they should prioritise the interests of the citizens they serve, as a committed force that operates with great sacrifice.

The Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor, who was the chief guest, urged the gathering to be patriotic citizens. He explained that a patriot is someone who loves themselves, those around them, as well as their country.

He highlighted the concept of patriotism through the service of the NRA, now the UPDF, and the 27 historical guerrilla fighters who led the NRA rebellion that seized power on 26 February 1986, ushering in the NRM and President Yoweri Museveni.

Commissioner Ichogor used the celebration to highlight, among other things, the achievements of the current government, including peace, security, and wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).