UPDF, Local Leaders Meet to Strengthen Peace in Karamoja

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), through its 3rd Infantry Division, in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), has convened a four-day engagement with community, civil and political leaders from the Karamoja sub-region.

The seminar, which opened in Soroti, aims to formulate practical strategies to strengthen peace and drive socio-economic development in the region.

Speaking at the opening, the Director of CIMIC, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, underscored the importance of civilian collaboration in the UPDF’s operations.

“As the UPDF, we do not succeed alone. It is through our ideology of working closely with wananchi, as consistently emphasised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, that we achieve lasting results,” he said.

Representing the Division Commander, Brig Gen Allan Kyangungu, the Deputy Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division commended the Directorate of CIMIC for organising the engagement, noting that the success of Operation Usalama Kwa Wote has largely been driven by the support and cooperation of local communities.

“Your presence reaffirms your commitment to peace in the region. It is rare for militaries to sit with civil leaders to openly discuss matters of security,” he said.

He added that the 3rd Infantry Division remains committed to the full pacification of Karamoja and to preventing a relapse into insecurity that has historically undermined development, pointing out that increasing economic activity in the sub-region is a clear sign of sustained peace.

The seminar has drawn a wide range of stakeholders, including brigade commanders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LC V chairpersons, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), as well as representatives of youth, women and elders from all nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region.