Gen Nabasa Advocates for Peaceful Alliance to Halt Cattle Rustling in Karamoja

Maj. Gen. Don William Nabasa, the 3 Division Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, has called upon the communities of Jie in Kotido district and Dodoth in Kaabong district, situated in the northern part of Karamoja, to consider forming a strategic alliance aimed at curbing the persistent issue of cattle rustling and easing the existing tensions between them.

This appeal was made by Maj. Gen. Nabasa on Saturday, April 6, during a cross-district security meeting that took place in Moruitit village, within Sidok Sub-County of Kaabong district. He emphasized the importance of such an alliance in fostering a sense of brotherhood, diminishing mutual accusations, and tackling the problem of cattle theft within their areas. “I urge the two communities to create a peaceful alliance to promote brotherhood, reduce counter-accusations, and combat cattle theft in your regions,” said Gen. Nabasa.

He noted that despite the ongoing disputes and accusations between the Jie and Dodoth communities, the northern Karamoja sub-region has been experiencing a period of relative peace, partly due to the adherence to the Presidential Amnesty. Furthermore, the Major General highlighted efforts to address the issue of Turkana pastoralists to ensure peace along the border with Kenya.

Gen. Nabasa also called for enhanced cooperation with the commanders of the UPDF’s 405 Brigade and tasked battalion commanders with identifying reformed warriors. These individuals, familiar with the local terrain, hiding spots, and networks, could play a crucial role in reducing criminal activities in the region.

Capt (Rtd) Chris Mike Okirya, Kaabong’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), appealed to the community members and those still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to the authorities, to benefit from government incentives and services.

The chairpersons of the two districts, Meri Jino of Kaabong and Paul Lotee, also known as Kacheri Boy of Kotido, committed to leading initiatives to drill three boreholes along the border areas to address water scarcity and support deployments along the Uganda-Kenya border.

Additionally, Judith Nakut, a mobiliser for Karacuna, pledged to ramp up efforts in mobilizing groups to voluntarily give up illegal firearms. She mentioned that some Karacuna members had taken refuge in remote areas due to conflicts between the Jie and Dodoth communities.

The meeting was attended by Resident District Commissioners, LCV chairpersons, senior security officers from the UPDF, UPF, ISO & ASTU, LC 3 chairpersons, district councilors, elders, and members of the community.