Summary:

• On Saturday, two residents of Moroto District voluntarily handed over firearms to the Uganda People’s Defense Force, bringing the total to three in a week. The handover, without the use of force, is part of the disarmament operation in the region, showcasing the success of the Presidential Amnesty Window.

On Saturday, two additional firearms were handed over to the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) at Moroto army barracks in Moroto District. The weapons were relinquished by Karacuna Lomokol Loduk and James Akol, residents of Rupa sub-County in Moroto District. This brings the tally of firearms recovered without resorting to excessive force to three within the span of one week.

Lt. Col. Fred Wemba, Division Intelligence Officer, confirmed the reception of the firearms: sub-machine gun number 56-3005911 with 8 live rounds of ammunition and BC 27849 with 4 live rounds of ammunition. The handover was facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel Lokii, councillor representing Rupa sub-county, and Lochoro Clementina, district councillor representing Lotisan sub-county.

Wemba emphasized the significance of this event, noting that it occurred during a period of relative peace in the sub-region following numerous security-community engagements. He underscored the voluntary nature of the disarmament operation, highlighting the continued adherence to the Presidential Amnesty Window.

Both individuals who surrendered the firearms were issued Karamoja disarmament cards and are eligible for government incentives and related programs. Wemba commended the collaborative efforts of security forces, local leadership, and civilians in recovering arms and maintaining security in the Karamoja sub-region.

Earlier in the week, 28-year-old Loli Longoli surrendered a firearm to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) at Moroto army barracks.