Summary:

• The Joint Security Forces urge vigilance in Karamoja this Easter, citing positive security trends but emphasizing the need for continued alertness. Increased patrols and community engagement aim to prevent criminal activity, especially during festive gatherings. Additionally, 113 Anti Stock Theft Unit personnel have completed training to manage operations effectively in the region, with over a thousand illegal guns and ammunition seized since July 2021.

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The Joint Security Forces have asked the people in the Karamoja sub-region to be vigilant during the Easter Celebrations.

According to the statement issued by police, the general public is informed that Mt. Moroto and Kidepo Policing Regions have in recent times continued to register positive trends of security all over. This is an attribute of all stakeholders such as the Security forces, Political leaders, Religious leaders, Elders, and women peace groups and therefore they all remain vigilant to avoid circumstances that may backslide Karamoja where it has come from.

Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson said that there is a need for the general public to be alert at all levels during the Easter season.

Longole observed that on such big days, there is expected massive movement of people from towns to villages, from villages to churches for prayers and parties on Easter day and the homes will not be fully attended.

He noted that the criminal elements may exploit this advantage and break into houses, stealing young children, and even terrorists may infiltrate to cause mayhem to the people who are beginning to gather for prayers or partying.

Longole, said that they have organized foot and motorized patrols on dark spots identified within the urban and village areas.

He added that they have enhanced checkpoints on major supply routes, regulations of traffic movement, and continued community engagement on vigilance and neighborhood watch.

Meanwhile at least 113 Anti Stock Theft Unit personnel have completed a training on handling operations in the Karamoja sub-region. The purpose of the training was to equip ASTU personnel with adequate skills and knowledge to manage the situation in Karamoja.

Speaking during the pass-out ceremony at Olilim Police training school, Assistant Inspector General of Police Godfrey Goloba applauded the officers for completing the ASTU Induction training basic course.

Goloba noted that the officers are now equipped with skills and are ready to work and overcome the menace caused by cattle rustlers in Karamoja. He urged the officers to be professional and remain patriotic while performing their duties.

The Joint Security Forces have so far collected 1,133 illegal guns and 8,681 ammunition since the Usalama Kwa Wote operations were launched in July 2021.