AFRICA.Uganda: Joint Security Forces in Uganda have arrested 400 suspected bandits terrorizing the northeast of the country. Items recovered from them include 186 firearms and 650 live ammunition.

“For these arrests and recoveries, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) used both forceful and willful approaches,” said Major Isaac Oware, force spokesman at the Third Division.

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Oware revealed that the counter-terrorism operation was being carried out in about nine districts that make up Karamoja sub-region as well as Kabelybyong and Katakwi districts in Teson sub-region.

His words, “About 232 suspected criminals were prosecuted by the Court Martial sitting in Moroto District for various offences, including possession of firearms. Others were prosecuted in civilian courts and could have been remanded in custody or condemned.

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“A good number were found without cases and were released back to their respective communities after investigation,” he added.

Operations target criminal elements in five categories, including armed criminals [warriors]those who herd cattle with bows and arrows, collaborators [Informers] and cattle rustling suspects and this has paid off as currently the rate of raids has dropped significantly.

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In addition, according to the UPDF, 2,921 head of cattle have been recovered. The 39th Battalion under the 405th Brigade recovered more than 200 herds of cattle from raiders along the Bridge of Lions, a border belt between Napak and Abim districts, according to the spokesman.

“This one major recovery was with air support [Helicopter] and close coordination with Kotido district chiefs. The security forces are mandated to ensure that all roads entering Karamoja are safe and more secure for effective service delivery. Insecurity had raised fears. Oware added.

Unsettled by the endless killings and looting in Karamoja, lawmakers have sued for an overhaul of the region’s security architecture.

“There is a need for government commitment to protect the Karamojong who face the danger of starvation, poverty and disease. They cannot sleep at night or do economic activities because of thieves, including those from Pokot-Toposa in neighboring Kenya,” commented MP Achia Remigio.

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