The top joint security commanders of Disarmament Operation code-named ‘Usalama Kwa’ Wote and senior leaders are up to revitalize security amongst communities in Amudat district and Sebei Sub-region despite isolated security challenges.
Annually during long dry seasons, the Pokot pastoralist community of Amudat district faces harsh dry weather conditions which push them to seek pasture and water from the neighboring districts, from where they become troublesome to their hosts as several isolated cases have been reported.
It’s on a security note that on 19 Jan 24, the top commanders of joint security forces in disarmament operation, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and District Chairpersons of Amudat, Kween and Bukwo convened security committee and community engagement meetings at Alalamu UPDF detach and Lokales trading center respectively in Amudat district.
In his opening remarks, the 3 Division Commander as chair of the meeting Maj Gen Don William Nabasa highlighted that there is public outcry hinged on human security threats amongst neighboring communities. “Despite public outcry occasioned by isolated incidences, the UPDF being national in character and working together with other security agencies, remains committed in execution of its mandate to enable peace prevail for socio-economic transformation,” Said Gen Nabasa.
He noted that being aware of the problem caused by some Pokot criminal elements which calls for concerted joint efforts by all leaders to re-address in order to restore sanity and total peace.
The elected leaders and district officials on either side recounted that the two tribes (Pokots and Sabiny) are historically and culturally one and belong to the Kalegin community who share and practice a lot in common.
Member of Parliament for Soi County in Kween district, Hon Kisos Chemaswet stressed that the Pokots herdsmen had on previous occasions been grazing their animals in the neighboring Sebei districts of Kween and Bukwo but disrespected warm welcome by stealing cows, fuelling land disputes and causing untold suffering. He called for more avenues to be exploited to restore and enhance relations between the two neighboring communities.
He appealed to the central government to plan and implement gravitation irrigation from Sipi Falls and establish sustainable reservoirs to water animals and reduce unregulated livestock movement in Karamoja Sub-region as well as boost crop production in the Sebei Sub-region.
On their part, leaders of Amudat led by Member of Parliament for Amudat constituency, Hon Mika Lolem listened to the concerns advanced by their kinship (Sabiny) tendered in apologies in good faith, noting that the two brotherhood communities are inter-dependent on each for trade and other forms of livelihood.
Hon. Joseph Lobot, District Chairperson for Amudat recommitted that under his leadership they will be able to identify and hand over a few peace spoilers to security committees and commanders for appropriate action.
The Resident District Commissioner for Bukwo, Ms Ajilong Bessie Modestar lauded the UPDF 3 Division leadership for beefing up deployments to enhance security in the border areas of Bukwo in the last six months. Her counterpart Commissioner George Owanyi of Amudat district urged parents to embrace education programs for all school-going children once schools commence.
Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy 3 Division Commander re-echoed on the need for co-existence amongst the two neighboring communities (Pokot and Sabiny), adding that each other’s interest (grazing versus crops farming ) should not overshadow another as both aim to satisfy a common cause.
The RPC for Mount Moroto Region, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Chemusto stressed that since either sides have pertinent issues that affect society, similar inter-district security meetings should be regularly convened to explore more possible avenues for amicable solutions.
He urged the leadership of Pokots and Sabiny to work together rather than dividing their people which breeds hatred, retards socio-cohesion and unity.
The top commanders, senior leaders and respective district security committees headed by Resident District Commissioners of Amudat , Bukwo and Kween districts agreed to hold to their earlier positions and council resolutions as they look forward to the tasks of an additional select committee set to convene by 23 th Jan 24 . The select committee after thorough consultations shall deliberate and dissect the pending problems and come up with workable resolutions.
The two meetings were graced by the Kenya delegation from West Pokot County Government , Members of Parliament and County Assembly (MCAs). They included:- Hon Titus Lotee, MP Kacheliba constituency, HE Robert A Komole, Deputy Governor and several MCAs.
On the Ugandan side were MPs, Hon Chelain Betty (Amudat), Hon Kisos Chemaswet (Soi county), Hon Mika Lolem (Amudat), RDCs of Amudat, Kween and Bukwo, Senior officers from UPDF, UPF, ASTU, ISO, UWA, LC3 Chairpersons, District speakers, councilors, religious leaders and hundreds of the ‘wananchi.’
