By Nathan Eyagu 

NABILATUK — Reformed Karamoja warriors (Karachuna), security officials, political leaders and other stakeholders today convened in Nabilatuk District to strengthen efforts aimed at curbing insecurity and cattle theft in the Karamoja sub-region.

The meeting, held at Losimit Parish in Kosike Sub-county, brought together Karachuna representatives from Nabilatuk, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Amudat and Moroto districts, alongside religious leaders, local government officials and security agencies. The engagement focused on addressing persistent cattle raids, criminal networks and cross-border insecurity affecting communities in the region.

Local leaders described the meeting as timely, noting that insecurity continues to undermine livelihoods, social cohesion and development. Losimit LC1 Chairperson, Lopot, raised concerns over administrative challenges arising from parish boundary overlaps between Kosike and Lalachat, particularly in Losimit village. He also cited Lokorot village as one of the areas still struggling with criminal activity.

Speaking at the meeting, Father Raphael Lobeerei, the Coordinator for Kotido and Abim and Spiritual Leader of the Karachuna Peace Movement, commended residents for openly discussing security challenges. He urged communities to work closely with security agencies and peace committees to ensure crimes are addressed at the grassroots level.

Father Lobeerei revealed that following recent peace engagements in Kotido, reported cattle theft cases had significantly reduced, with only two incidents recorded. He emphasized community vigilance and encouraged residents to join Karachuna SACCOs as a pathway to economic empowerment and stability.

Abra Stephen, the Karachuna Coordinator for Moroto, Napak and Nabilatuk districts, identified Kosike and Lorenchora as key insecurity hotspots. He said security agencies and community structures had dismantled emerging criminal groups, leading to a reduction in thefts. He called on residents to support efforts to restore peace in affected villages so that stability can spread across the region.

From Amudat District, Lodis, the LC3 Chairperson of Loro Sub-county, warned that Kosike had increasingly been viewed as a peace spoiler, straining relations with neighbouring communities. He urged residents to take collective responsibility in eliminating criminal elements.

Participants agreed on stricter community-led sanctions against cattle theft, including fines in livestock and other penalties, as a deterrent against repeat offenders. Several speakers cited examples where individuals involved in cattle theft were heavily fined through community resolutions.

Karachuna leaders from Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk districts also called for repentance and unity, stressing that peace is essential for development. They appealed for government support in agriculture, including the provision of tractors, saying Karamoja has the potential to become a food basket if security is sustained.

Addressing the gathering, Angolere Carolyne, the Special Presidential Assistant for Political Affairs and Team Leader of the Karachuna Peace Movement, said the meeting was initiated by the Karachuna themselves as a follow-up to the launch of KAPATU (Karamoja Peace and Technology University). She noted that Kosike had been identified as a hotspot affecting multiple districts and warned that failure to embrace peace could result in forceful disarmament.

Security officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in Karamoja. Lt. Col. Chemusto, the ASTU Commanding Officer in Karamoja, said more than 1,400 guns and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered since 2001, although some illegal firearms remain in circulation. He urged voluntary disarmament, school enrollment for children, reduced alcohol consumption and environmental conservation.

Political leaders, including Nabilatuk County MP Hon. Acia Remigio, called on communities to surrender illegal firearms, reject bribery within peace committees and support government programmes aimed at poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, Nabilatuk Resident District Commissioner Loteem Linus Tumkori warned that cattle raiding only perpetuates poverty and suffering. He urged residents to abandon raids, embrace lawful livelihoods and uphold accountability within community leadership.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from communities and leaders to work together in restoring peace, with participants emphasizing that lasting security is the foundation for development and prosperity in Karamoja.