Kotido, Uganda – In a positive turn of events for the security situation in Kotido District, three individuals voluntarily surrendered their firearms to joint security forces on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
This move comes as part of Uganda’s ongoing disarmament initiative, aimed at reducing illegal firearms and promoting peace in the volatile Karamoja region.
The firearms, all SMG rifles, were handed over by three local residents: Lokomol Daudi from Naryamatolim Cell in Lokitaleabu Town Council, who surrendered an SMG with serial number 79551 and five live rounds of ammunition; Lokutu Lochubae from Kadokin Cell, South Division, who turned over an SMG with serial number 10427 along with two live rounds and Lochu Loose Peter from Napong Cell, Lokitaleabu Central Ward, who handed in an SMG with serial number 1977244449 with one live round.
The suspects, having complied with Uganda’s Amnesty Program, were allowed to walk free after surrendering their weapons.
Maj. Isaac Oware, the spokesperson for the 3rd Division of the Ugandan Army, confirmed that the individuals would receive voluntary disarmament cards and be eligible for government incentives designed to help them reintegrate into society as peace advocates.
“This is a positive step towards a peaceful and secure Karamoja region,” said Maj. Oware. “The voluntary surrender of these weapons demonstrates that our communities are embracing peace and contributing to the larger effort to end violence in the region.”
The timing of this arms surrender aligns with the ongoing visit of President Yoweri Museveni to the Karamoja sub-region, where he is evaluating the effectiveness of the Parish Development Model (PDM), an initiative designed to boost household incomes and drive socio-economic transformation.
Maj. Oware called on other armed individuals still operating in the region to take advantage of the Amnesty Window and surrender their weapons.
He also expressed gratitude to local government leaders for their ongoing collaboration in ensuring peace and stability in the area.
“This success would not be possible without the cooperation of local governments, and we remain optimistic that with continued efforts, Karamoja will achieve lasting peace,” he added.
As the amnesty program continues, the surrender of these weapons marks an important milestone in the region’s journey toward demilitarization and peacebuilding.
