By Nathan Eyagu 

Kotido, Uganda – On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, joint security forces in Kotido District successfully recovered three firearms from suspects who voluntarily surrendered the weapons after sustained persuasion efforts.  

The recovered firearms and their respective owners were identified as follows:  

1. SMG Number 79551 (on bolt) with five live rounds of ammunition, surrendered by Lokomol Daudi, a resident of Naryamatolim Cell, Lokitaleabu Town Council. 

2. SMG Number 10427 (on bolt carrier) with two live rounds of ammunition, handed over by Lokutu Lochubae, a resident of Kadokin Cell, South Division. 

3. SMG Number 1977244449 with one live round of ammunition, surrendered by Lochu Loose Peter, a resident of Napong Cell, Lokitaleabu Central Ward, Lokitaleabu Town Council.  

According to Major Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer for the 3rd Division, the suspects were released without charges under the current security arrangements and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This was made possible through the Amnesty Window, a government initiative designed to promote voluntary disarmament.  

Under this arrangement, individuals who voluntarily surrender weapons are documented by security teams and issued voluntary disarmament cards. These individuals are integrated into their communities as reformed members, benefiting from government incentives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting peace.  

Major Oware highlighted that this recovery marks a positive step toward achieving lasting peace in the Karamoja Sub-region. The efforts align with the ongoing visit by President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to the region as his visit focuses on assessing the performance of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government program aimed at boosting household incomes and driving socio-economic transformation.  

“We encourage armed warriors still in hiding to take advantage of the Amnesty Window and surrender their weapons,” said Major Oware. He also expressed gratitude to local governments for their cooperation in implementing a multi-sectoral approach to security and development.  

The recovery of the firearms is a significant milestone in the broader peace-building efforts in Karamoja, signaling progress towards stability and socio-economic growth in the region.