Relief as insecurity in Karamoja region stabilizes a bit due to the continuous operations carried out by the joint security forces which is aimed at disarming forcefully the Karamajogo warriars who refused to hand in their guns to UPDF.
The Resident District Commissioner of Karenga, Mr. Ocailap Geoffrey Filbert, gave hope to the residents of the area, the business community and tourists about the state of insecurity levels in Karamoja region saying that there’s now no need to be worry and be on tension.
Speaking at the district headquarters, Mr. Ocailap said that with security guaranteed, “the food problem will be history in Karamoja.”
The commissioner commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) for their pivotal role in restoring stability and peace to the area. He highlighted the impressive agricultural productivity in Karenga, citing the abundant production of maize, sorghum, and other crops.
However, Mr. Ocailap emphasized that a key challenge in the region remains the disturbances caused by individuals from neighboring Kenya, who disrupt the tranquility of the Karamajong people in Uganda.
During a tour of the Kidepo Valley National Park, Chief Warden Richard Muhabwe noted the surge in tourism owing to the region’s newfound stability. He attributed this positive development to the effective disarmament initiatives, revealing that the park now attracts around 10,000 visitors annually, both from Uganda and abroad.
Muhabwe underscored the park’s significant impact on the region, including the development of vital infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. He encouraged people from Uganda, East Africa, and beyond to visit and appreciate the national heritage, highlighting Kidepo Valley’s distinction of hosting the largest herds of buffalo in the world.
Mr. Abukongimole Samuel Lobeka, the Chairperson of Karenga district Local Council V, commended the government’s efforts in implementing poverty eradication programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, which have substantially improved the living standards of the people.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Ms. Carol, the Assistant Warden Tourism, Mr. Okiring David, representatives from the Uganda Police, district local leaders, and the Karucunas community.