The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has called on its troops in the Karamoja Sub-region to strengthen relations with local communities while sustaining security operations aimed at ending criminal activity.
Speaking during a command handover ceremony at the 403 Infantry Brigade in Napak District, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, emphasized the need for strategic engagement with local leaders.
“I urge you officers to strengthen strategic relations with local leaders and communities alongside maintaining the current operations tempo to ensure lasting peace and stability,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ocuka took over command from Lieutenant Colonel Morris Twongyeirwe, who was praised for his collaborative leadership that contributed to improved security in the area.
Maj Gen Sserunkuma thanked local leaders for their cooperation in enforcing Executive Order No. 3 of 23 May 2023, which addresses a wide range of issues affecting security and stability in Northern and Northeastern Uganda. These include anti-cattle rustling operations, environmental degradation from illegal charcoal trade, unregulated movements of indisciplined nomads known as the Balaalo, the transformation of the Uganda Police Force into a truly national institution, and border security challenges involving Turkana nomads from neighboring Kenya.
He noted that the implementation of this order had already produced positive outcomes and called for its continued enforcement.
The General also stressed the importance of tackling remaining criminal elements to preserve the gains made under the Usalama Kwa Wote operation, which spans both Karamoja and the neighboring Teso sub-regions.
Faith Nakut, Woman MP for Napak, and John Bosco Ngoya of Bokora County, commended the UPDF for restoring relative calm in the region. However, they warned that isolated criminal activities remain and called for greater community-security engagement.
“I have confidence in the strength and discipline of the UPDF to contain any peak in criminality,” said Hon. Nakut.
Napak RDC Odongo Milton credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for spearheading the professionalisation of the UPDF. He said this had improved both regional security and service delivery.
Odongo also pledged to intensify anti-corruption efforts, public mobilisation, and patriotism in the district.
In his farewell remarks, Lt Col Twongyeirwe thanked his team for their support and urged them to continue cooperating with his successor.
Both the outgoing and incoming commanders expressed appreciation to the UPDF leadership for their confidence and promised dedicated service to the nation.
The event was attended by brigade commanders, assistant RDCs Caroline Akol Lokee and Florence Acuma, senior military officers, district security committee members, and other local leaders.
