UPDF Moves to Recover Illegal Guns, Curb Cattle Theft in South Karamoja

What the report says

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has stepped up joint security efforts in South Karamoja, with a focus on recovering illegal firearms, reducing cross-border cattle theft and addressing land disputes that have affected stability in the sub-region. According to Nile Post, the army’s 3 Infantry Division convened an inter-agency meeting in Moroto to review the security situation and coordinate responses across the area.

The meeting was chaired by Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba and brought together security officials from Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit and Amudat districts. Officials discussed protecting kraals during the rainy season, recovering stolen livestock, tackling armed criminality and preventing tensions linked to land ownership and use. The focus, the report said, was on maintaining peace gains already recorded in Karamoja.

Brig Gen Hyeroba called for closer coordination among security agencies, saying the region should not lose the progress made so far. Moroto Resident District Commissioner Benon Kwikiriza said improved security was beginning to attract investors, underscoring the importance of sustained stability for local economic activity. The meeting included Resident District Commissioners, police commanders, district internal security officers, intelligence officials and other security personnel.

More broadly, the operation fits into long-running state efforts in Karamoja to reduce armed livestock raiding and promote disarmament and local development, although the latest report mainly highlights coordination rather than announcing a new policy or deadline.