Uganda Police uncover three firearms in Karamoja as President Museveni pledges amnesty

Three firearms have been recovered from the South Karamoja region in Uganda.

An official statement from the Uganda Police Force claims it was due to ongoing concerted effort by security forces to maintain law and order in the precinct.

“Despite the ongoing sensitization about the presidential initiative on voluntary firearm surrender without prosecution, the success has been uneven across various districts,” reads part of the release from the Uganda Police.

The Release was signed by the Inspector of Police Longole Mike, the Force’s Public Relations Officer.

While North Karamoja, including Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, and Abim, has witnessed positive outcomes with Karamojong youths, known as ‘Karacunas,’ voluntarily surrendering arms, the same cannot be said for the southern districts.

Moroto, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit continue to face challenges in embracing the presidential amnesty, leading to isolated incidents such as cattle thefts, notably between Pokot (Amudat) and Pian (Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit).

One incident involved the theft of 94 goats and sheep from Namoni Aloris village in Kosike Subcounty, Nabilatuk District, during the night of August 29, 2023.

Joint security forces have, however, managed to recover all the stolen livestock, according to the police.

In response to such incidents, security forces conducted an organized operation to retrieve arms from armed criminals in Alakas (Amudat) and Nakabaat (Moroto) areas.

The operation proved successful, resulting in the recovery of three firearms including a Gun with Serial Number 50292 and five rounds of ammunition and another Gun bearing number 38110 with zero rounds.

These firearms were forcefully retrieved from unidentified warriors following a cordon and search operation in Nakabat village, Rupa Subcounty, Moroto District.

Additionally, an SMG rifle with registration number 11253 and 5 rounds was forcefully recovered from Tingaz village in Alakas, Amudat District.

“While security forces remain committed to ensuring peace throughout Karamoja, we appeal to Karacunas in the southern region to embrace the presidential amnesty fully, by voluntarily surrendering firearms to the government without fear of prosecution.”