First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who is in Kitgum District on a 3-day visit apologized to the people of the region on behalf of the government for failing to end the ever-surging insecurity and increasing poverty. ‘WhisperEyeNews
Gen Muhoozi’s words came as he was speaking to the people where he said that he is equally concerned and hurt that the people of the Acholi sub-region have been going through unending suffering caused by the constant raids by cattle rustlers from Karamoja which at times leads to loss of lives.
Gen Muhoozi also hinted at poverty in the region where he said that he is taking feedback to Kampala to put the government under pressure to do something about it.
On the issue of insecurity, Gen Muhoozi said that the UPDF is going to beef up the security in the region by 1st setting up another battalion to support the already existing Division as well as setting up a commando unit in the area to curb insecurity.
Gen Kainerugaba assured the hundreds that braved the Tuesday afternoon rain that the UPDF had been taking necessary measures to deal with the Karamojong warriors and weaken them.
Brig Joseph Balikuddembe the UPDF Commander in the Karamoja (3Div) subregion also presented the numerous achievements of the operation, including the recovery of guns, prosecution of warriors, and the return of cows to their rightful owners.
‘Those (commandoes) are very tough soldiers and you will see the results,’ Gen Kainerugaba noted.
Additionally, Gen Kainerugaba said another battalion (800 soldiers) will be deployed in the affected areas to ensure proper security of people and their property.
To tackle the issue of elephant invasions, the government was making plans for Kidepo to be fenced, and locals were advised to engage in beekeeping as a means of deterring elephants.
