The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), through its 3 Infantry Division in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), has launched a four-day engagement with community, civil, and political leaders from the Karamoja sub-region aimed at strengthening peace and promoting socio-economic transformation.
The seminar, which commenced in Soroti, brings together key stakeholders to develop practical strategies for sustaining stability and accelerating development in the region.
Speaking at the opening session, the Director of CIMIC, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the military and civilian populations in achieving lasting peace and security.
“As the UPDF, we do not succeed alone. It is through our ideology of working closely with wananchi, as consistently emphasised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, that we achieve lasting results,” Brig Gen Kibuye said.
Representing the Division Commander, the Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Allan Kyangungu, commended CIMIC for organizing the engagement, noting that progress under Operation Usalama Kwa Wote has been largely driven by strong cooperation between security forces and local communities.
“Your presence reaffirms your commitment to peace in the region. It is rare for militaries to sit with civil leaders to openly discuss matters of security,” he noted.
Brig Gen Kyangungu further reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to the full pacification of Karamoja and the prevention of any relapse into insecurity, which has historically hindered development in the region. He observed that the growing economic activity across Karamoja is a clear indicator of sustained peace and stability.
The seminar has attracted a wide range of participants, including brigade commanders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LC V chairpersons, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), as well as representatives of youth, women, and elders from all nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region.
The engagement is expected to produce actionable recommendations to further consolidate peace and support long-term development in the region.