This is to refute information by some circles of the media that “a new rebel group has been formed up in areas of Teso to distablise Teso and Lango areas”. The information purportedly released by the deputy RDC Soroti Mr Osoto Opio Joseph was merely blown out of proportion after he issued an alertness message to the public due to an influx of many people from outside his district who turned up for Christmas and new year celebrations.
We have no such information in our archives neither is it in other sister forces. The people of Teso and Lango have hard a bad experience of rebellions and should not be put to Punic over such allegations. We need to assure the public that security of Ugandans, their property and boarders are fully protected and any attempt by whichever group to destabilize any part of the country using unconstitutional means will not be tolerated and will be dealt with unfalteringly by both the people ofUgandaand UPDF.
We are aware some private security firms have been doing recruitment of security guards in areas of Teso and Lango but these shouldn’t be mistaken, Their procedures of recruitment are well stipulated and authority letters always issued by the Inspector General of Police authorizing them to do so.
Operation restore hope is still ongoing in areas of Teso to get rid of any illegal arms in illegal hands. Since june last year 24 serviceable smgs and 769 rounds of ammunitions plus 10 bombs and grenades have been recovered in Teso region and we appeal for more cooperation in this operation.
Karamoja disarmament exercise is already a success story which everybody can see with his or her naked eyes. What remains is curbing out a bad habit of stealing and hitting hard on a few hardcore warriors who thing minus a gun they can’t survive. UPDF is determined to reach to the apex of this exercise too and it’s a matter of time.
This is the time to focus on development and not war, therefore anybody who sounds war drums should be resisted.
The public should be on watch out for anybody who overtly or covertly tries to sneak in new weapons or ammunitions either in Karamoja, teso or any other part of this country. We are on ground and will verify and always inform the public of any matter that concerns their security. All of us should remain vigilant to continue enjoying the prevailing peace in our country. Let’s work together for sustaining the peace this country has achieved through a lot of sacrifices. As we celebrate liberation day on the 26th of this month lets reflect on peace, security and development
By Captain Deo Akiiki, 3rd army division spokesman