The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has called upon stakeholders to work together towards achieving long lasting peace in Karamoja Region.
“We are all too aware that for the military strategy to succeed in the situations of this kind, all other components including law enforcement agencies and civic components must be in place and doing their work,” Ssempijja said.
Ssempijja was speaking at a meeting he held with Members of Parliament from Karamoja Region, that was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya a few days ago.
The Minister added that whereas the government has rolled out a number of programmes to enhance the social economic transformation of the people of the Karamoja community, these strategies have not been fully implemented which is bound to upset the military effort.
“We as a team therefore need to focus more on a holistic approach if we are to improve the situation from what it is,” added Hon. Ssempijja.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Dr Maria Goretti Kimono Kitutu called for the key ministries of Defence, Works and Transport, Water and Karamoja Affairs to take the lead and be given priority in ensuring that peace is achieved in the aims of the disarmament programme.
Minister Kitutu urged the implementers of the Parish Development Model to prioritize Karamoja region and called upon Members of Parliament to support the initiative.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Hon Gen Wilson Mbadi in his remarks said the meeting was aimed at reviewing what the UPDF has achieved and what they are currently doing in the disarmament operation codenamed ‘Usalama Kwa Wote’ which is aimed at pacifying the Karamoja region and ensuring that long lasting peace is achieved and sustained.
The various Members of Parliament and leaders from Karamoja region said they are committed towards supporting the UPDF in its efforts of disarmament and achieving long lasting peace in their region.
The meeting was also attended by the Ministers of State for Defence Hon Jacobson Oboth Oboth and Huda Oleru, Members of Parliament from Karamoja region, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ms. Rosette Byengoma, the Undersecretary Finance and Administration, Mrs. Edith Buturo, the Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, the Deputy Commander of Land Force, Maj Gen Sam Okiding, the 3rd Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe among other senior officers.
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