Simon Naulele
2 September 2008
Kampala — THE UPDF 3rd Division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, has urged the army to observe the values and norms of the Karimojong to lure them into surrendering illegal guns.
He said this approach would make the warriors gain confidence in the army. "The problem in Karamoja is not rebellion. It is all about showing them direction by observing their cultures and this can only be done when you remember the do's and don'ts when conducting the disarmament exercise," he said.
Kankiriho made the remarks at the closure of a five-day seminar on child protection for the UPDF, the Police and human rights activists.
The seminar, which was organised by Save the Children in Uganda, a charity, was held at the East African Civil Aviation Academy in Soroti.
Kankiriho noted that Karamoja sub-region needed water, health and food to develop. "In order to pacify Karamoja, we need to disarm them mentally by giving them education, water, health services, infrastructure and empower them with agriculture and skills to protect the environment," he said.
He added that few expectant mothers in the area attend antenatal care and the majority resort to herbs.
Kankiriho said there was need to preserve the environment in the region.
"Environment degradation and HIV/Aids are the most dangerous disasters in Karamoja. The few trees are being cut down."
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There are simply no buts here; you are still going back to the barracks where soldiers like you should rightly belong. The army serves the Karamojong, not the other way around. Let other institutions like the parliamentaria and schools educate the people, if they need education. Even with your stars you are still a servant to the Karamojong, believe you me. Whatever chakumchaka pseodo-socialist brainwashing you got in Kyankwansi or North Korea doesn't wash. I know this because my uncle was the Sandhurst trained first Ugandan Army Commander. Most of problems in Karamoja should have been solved now, if there… [Read Full Text]