Since 2021, Joint security operations have caused a lot of impact on once the most feared sub region. Illustration by Arnest Tumwesige
By Arnest Tumwesige
Moroto: As peace continues to gain ground in the Karamoja sub-region, security agencies have lauded residents and local leaders for their close collaboration in identifying and eliminating criminal elements within their communities.
This progress has been driven largely by community barazas, which bring together locals and leaders to discuss and be sensitized on the dangers of illegally possessing firearms.
Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma, the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division Commander based in Moroto Municipality, attributed the prevailing calm to sustained operations and logistical support that have significantly reduced incidents of cattle rustling.
“Constant operations and logistical support have greatly contributed to combating cattle rustling in addition to collaborations from the indigenous,” General Sserunkuma said.
Despite notable achievements, he acknowledged that completely eradicating cattle rustling in the region remains difficult due to deep-rooted cultural traditions.
General Sserunkuma explained that many young men are lured into cattle rustling because of the immense pressure to raise hundreds of cattle required as dowry for traditional marriages.
He urged government ministries and agencies to work closely with the UPDF to empower reformed rustlers with alternative livelihoods.
“As we consolidate our achievements, all government institutions need to play their part. If I have disarmed, what are ministries like Health, Works, and others doing to ensure the Karacunas (reformed cattle rustlers) are engaged in productive work?” he asked.
Due to prevailing peace, in districts where leaders have embraced government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), many beneficiaries have transitioned into buying and selling cattle as a legitimate business.
The Division Commander also commended Microfinance Support Centre Uganda for guiding Karacunas to form groups and empowering them financially to engage in trade rather than raiding.
Operation “Usalama kwa Wote” Recoveries
Since the launch of Operation Usalama kwa Wote (A Kiswahili phrase meaning Security for All) in 2021, security forces have recovered over 1,000 illegal guns and more than 1,000 live bullets. Weekly recoveries have dropped from ten to about two, signaling a significant improvement in stability.
Records from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) based in Moroto show that out of 39,232 cattle stolen, 35,026 have been recovered. Similarly, out of 11,977 goats stolen, over 8,000 have been recovered as of the time of compiling this report.
To combat livestock theft through transport routes, ASTU designated four major roads for authorized livestock movement: Amudat-Moroto-Soroti; Kotido-Moroto-Napak-Katakwi;-Kaabong (Karenga)-Kitgum (Orom) and Nakapiripirit-Kween-Bulambuli-Sironko.
Francis Chemusto, the Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of ASTU, told GNNA that under guidelines from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), movement of animals is prohibited after 6:00 p.m.
Checkpoints along the routes ensure all vehicles carrying livestock find parking wherever time has caught-up them, they are accompanied by Local Council I letters from their origin and a verification permit from the District Veterinary Officers.
Between 2021 and 2025, over 80,000 cattle underwent physical inspection at these checkpoints, leading to the recovery of 128 stolen cattle, 115 goats, and 32 sheep, all of which were returned to their rightful owners.
A total of 136 suspects were arrested under the operation and 112 prosecuted, with most pleading guilty, while 24 turned state witnesses.
Alcohol Abuse Fuels Deaths, Raids, and GBV
While food shortages remain common due to short rainfall seasons, alcohol abuse has emerged as a major cause of death in Karamoja.
According to Dr. John Bosco Nsubuga, the Medical Superintendent of Matany Hospital in Moroto District, excessive alcohol consumption on empty stomachs has contributed to high mortality rates.
In 2021, during the crackdown on local alcohol, 42 people died at Matany Hospital after being admitted for alcohol-related complications, while 4,576 patients were treated and discharged.
In 2022, deaths reduced to 26 cases, and 4,000 patients were discharged. Hospital records show that alcohol-related complications were the third leading cause of death in Moroto District that year.
At Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, 5,598 alcohol-related cases were registered in 2021, dropping slightly to 5,300 in 2022.
Commander Chemusto said that before the operation against illicit alcohol, Karamoja recorded some of the highest cases of assault, raids, defilement, rape, and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
“When rustlers consume local alcohol, they can remain in the bush for days, surviving on dry rations. It gives them false confidence that they are bulletproof and encourages more raids,” Chemusto explained
Charcoal Trade Linked to Night Raids
Security agencies have also imposed zero tolerance on commercial charcoal burning, noting that many perpetrators use charcoal activities to locate nearby kraals and stage night cattle raids.
Since 2021, authorities have impounded 9,000 bags of charcoal, arrested 45 suspects, and taken 43 of them to court.
With security gains continuing to grow, the collaborative efforts between the UPDF, ASTU, local leaders, and the community are positioning Karamoja for a more peaceful and economically productive future.
Security personnel have also called on South Sudan and Kenya to mount similar operations in the Karamoja neighboring communities of their respective countries which have remained source of guns to illegal guns to Uganda.
