Karenga District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Unidentified warriors fatally shot Balaam Opio, a teacher at Kaabong Technical Institute. The incident occurred in Nakidiir Village, Nabaata Parish, Karenga District, as Opio was riding his bicycle to his hometown in Kitgum. The Karenga District chairperson, Felix Mark Lochaale, expressed shock over the incident.
Mr. Lochaale had been attending a security and welfare meeting in Nakaseke District, addressing Karamoja’s security concerns. Tragically, upon their return to Karamoja, they received news of another killing, underscoring the persistent issue of gun violence in the region, despite years of disarmament efforts.
Nonetheless, Mr. Lochaale noted that security agencies are actively working to address this problem. He mentioned the recent arrest of a suspected gun dealer in Juba, handed over to the army through interstate security cooperation. They aim to secure porous borders where illegal weapons enter Karamoja.
Maj Moses Amuya, the acting spokesperson of the UPDF 3rd Division in Moroto, confirmed that the army and police are investigating the teacher’s shooting and have apprehended 143 suspected warriors since January.
President Museveni, during a meeting with Karamoja leaders in Nakaseke District, reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive plan for wealth creation and poverty alleviation in the region. He emphasized the need to address issues such as food scarcity and water access by promoting agriculture and constructing dams.
Museveni called on the people of Karamoja to be patriotic and embrace prosperity. The training program for Karamoja leaders was aimed at enhancing their understanding of ideology-related matters and finding solutions to promote peace, transformation, and development in the sub-region.
