The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda has urged the District Security Committees in Karamoja to double efforts to Enhance Intelligence Networks to Combat Cattle Rustling The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has called on the District Security Committees in Karamoja to intensify their efforts in establishing robust intelligence networks to effectively tackle the issue of cattle rustling in the sub-region. The District Security Committee, chaired by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall security and well-being of the region.
Karamoja, comprising nine districts including Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, Nabilatuk, Abim, Moroto, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit, has long suffered from the detrimental effects of cattle rustling, which has hindered agricultural and business activities, and resulted in the loss of lives.
During a closure ceremony for a 3-day capacity building workshop for RDCs, DRDCs, RISOs, and DISOs from Karamoja, held at the Akello Hotel in Soroti, Hon. Babalanda emphasized the importance of addressing cattle thefts. She urged the security committees to redouble their efforts in establishing intelligence networks across the region, aiming to eradicate this pervasive issue that has impeded the development of Karamoja and neighbouring districts.
The Minister’s speech was delivered by Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, who represented her at the event. In her address, Hon. Babalanda expressed her satisfaction with the significant progress made in disarmament efforts in the sub-region, which has resulted in the recovery of numerous firearms. She emphasized the need for publicizing these successful gun recoveries, as it would encourage other communities to surrender their weapons or report any individuals still in possession of firearms.
The Minister acknowledged that sustained peace could be achieved through the collective effort of the entire community.
Highlighting the significance of poverty eradication in the region, Hon. Babalanda noted that Karamoja has received funds through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
She emphasized that these government initiatives should have a wide-ranging impact on the sub-region, urging officials to ensure the funds are utilized efficiently, creating tangible value and benefiting the communities they serve. The Minister commended the participants for their collaborative spirit and collective contributions during the workshop.
She emphasized the importance of the Resident District Commissioners being actively present in their districts and thoroughly monitoring all projects and activities, whether government or donor-funded.
The Minister called on the commissioners to advocate for what is right and to take a stand against any wrongdoing, ensuring accountability and transparency in public projects. During the same workshop, the RDCs pledged to champion unity and prosperity in the Karamoja sub-region.
Maj. Martha Asiimwe, head of the RDC secretariat, presented the resolutions of the meeting, expressing their commitment to foster harmony among political leaders and work collectively towards the realization of government programs and the NRM manifesto. Representing the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), Ms Lilian Tatwebwa urged the participants to disseminate clear and accurate information on HIV/AIDS prevention to their respective communities.
She emphasized the leaders’ responsibility in providing support and protection to families affected by HIV and AIDS. Ms Tatwebwa called for the mobilization of communities to combat negative social practices such as child marriages, gender-based violence, and substance abuse that contribute to the spread of HIV. She stressed the importance of including people living with HIV in economic empowerment and social protection programs.
Ms Tatwebwa further highlighted the President’s call to amplify HIV messages through the RDCs/RCCs to reach communities effectively. The Uganda AIDS Commission has developed messages approved by the President for dissemination through various media channels. These messages have been tailored for use by the RDCs/RCCs to raise awareness and educate the public on HIV prevention. Maj. Asiimwe explained that the Regional Capacity Building Workshops for RDCs/RCCs, deputies, and DISOs aim to reinforce the core responsibilities of commissioners and DISOs in terms of supervision, monitoring, mobilization, and effective representation of the Central Government and the President.
The workshops also equip participants with the necessary skills and tools to enhance their operations in their respective districts and cities, ensuring a strong focus on critical government programs and projects. The workshops also serve as a platform for commissioners to share the challenges they face in the field with their supervisors.
The closure of the workshop was attended by officials from the Office of the President, among other distinguished guests.
The collective efforts of all stakeholders, along with the implementation of intelligence networks and poverty eradication programs, have the potential to bring about sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in Karamoja and its neighbouring districts.